Haredi draft

Israel picks between 'secular democracy or theocracy' in election, chess master Garry Kasparov says

"Just as Abraham Lincoln observed that the government could not persist 'half slave and half free,' Israel cannot go on half theocratic and half secular," Kasparov, whose father was Jewish, said.

Israel’s election campaign is gathering pace, with the country’s political parties competing over the questions of security, leadership and the direction Israel takes after three years of war.
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters block traffic on Highway 4 during anti-draft demonstration, October 8, 2026.

Haredi draft dodgers subjected to 'Holocaust' treatment, ultra-Orthodox Knesset candidate claims

Workers hang a Likud party election campaign billboard featuring Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu alongside opposition leaders, with the slogan “Right or Palestine,” on a building in Jerusalem, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026.

Israeli election campaigns must move past political gimmicks to tackle critical issues - editorial

Haredi draft protesters attempt to break into IDF office in Bnei Brak, October 14, 2026.

Two haredi protesters arrested after attempting to break into IDF office in Bnei Brak


Deri issues haredi draft law ultimatum as Houthis threaten Saudi Arabia

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Ezra Taylor - the top stories, clear and concise.

A plume of smoke rises during a reported airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital Sana'a, October 9, 2026

Deri demands haredi draft law as condition for Shas to join next government

"There will be no government in Israel with Shas's support or participation unless the status of yeshiva students is regulated," Deri said.

Shas chairman Arye Deri and Shas MKs attend a plenum session, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026

Female IDF officer denied entry to haredi military base because of gender, IDF says

Haredi soldiers denied a female logistics officer entry to a Mount Hermon military base because of her gender, despite IDF regulations allowing professional personnel access.

 A soldier from the primarily Orthodox and haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Netzah Yehuda Battalion during a swearing-in ceremony at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, June 11, 2025.

Haredi parties may refuse to endorse both Netanyahu, Eisenkot after Israeli election, sources say

Haredi sources believe that if the opposition bloc secures a majority to replace the Knesset speaker, it may also also gather the support needed to form a government.

Shas chairman Arye Deri and Shas MKs attend a plenum session, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026

Universal conscription, constitution plan: Liberman reveals requirements to form government

Lieberman said on Sunday that mandatory military or civilian service for all Israelis would be a nonnegotiable condition for joining a government, while proposing a constitution drafted by experts.

Israel Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman announced on Sunday his selection of candidates for his party's Knesset slate ahead of the upcoming deadline to submit lists before the October elections, September 6, 2026.

Bennett pledges to redirect 'NIS 30 billion from draft evaders,' to those serving in the IDF

"This is the Servants’ Revolution: Anyone who does not serve the state will not receive a single shekel from the state," Bennett said.

Former Israeli prime minister and B'Yachad party chairman Naftali Bennett speaks during the “Game-Changing Generation” National Youth Conference at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, October 11, 2026.

Bennett: Netanyahu can serve as minister in next gov't if he backs opposition's key principles

Bennett said Netanyahu could serve as a minister in the next government if he backed a state inquiry, universal military enlistment, and a constitution for Israel.

Former prime minister and B'Yachad party leader, Naftali Bennett, at the election conference of the newspaper "Hador," Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination a 'mistake,' Democrats party leader Yair Golan says

"When you have an elderly and veteran leader, there is certainly an advantage in that," said Golan. "Of course, he was already 86 years old."

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, attends the Shabtai Shavit World Summit on Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University in Herzliya, October 6, 2026.

'Nazi, dog. Get out of here!': Ofer Winter confronted by anti-draft haredi protesters in Bnei Brak

Winter asked one of the protesters who had confronted him, "Why are you here attacking me instead of studying Torah?"

 Brig. General (res.) Ofer Winter speaks during Jerusalem day event in Ariel, in the West Bank, June 4, 2024.

NYC protesters overrun Israeli peace vigil, six civilians in flydubai flight to receive award

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Gadi Zaig - the top stories, clear and concise.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gather on Oct. 7, 2026, outside City Hall in New York.