Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved the issuance of 7,000 additional draft orders for haredim to join the IDF, following discussions with top military officials. This move aims to meet recruitment goals amid challenges in enlisting haredi men, as only a small percentage reported for service from the initial wave of 3,000 draft orders. The IDF is also establishing the "Hashmonayim" Brigade to facilitate haredi enlistment while accommodating their lifestyle. The decision comes as the IDF faces operational needs requiring broader national mobilization.
Israel's High Court of Justice held a significant hearing on the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men into the IDF, following the expiration of a law that allowed their exemption. The court is considering whether to make a temporary order permanent, which would mandate the drafting of haredi men and halt funding for yeshivot with students of military age. The hearing, marked by heated exchanges and public protests, has substantial social and political implications, especially given the strong opposition from the haredi community and the potential impact on the governing coalition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from within his government over plans to conscript ultra-Orthodox Haredi men into the Israeli Defense Forces, as the Israeli Supreme Court deadline to resolve the issue looms. The proposed legislation does not mandate conscription for Haredi men, sparking criticism from both opposition members and Netanyahu's own coalition. The debate highlights the political clout of the ultra-Orthodox community, which has been exempt from military service since Israel's founding, and the potential impact on Netanyahu's coalition government if a conscription bill moves forward.
Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's recent threat that yeshiva students would leave Israel rather than serve in the army reflects a new low in the Haredi community's attitude towards wartime Israel, highlighting his lack of impact on Israeli society during his 11-year tenure.
A video showing ultra-Orthodox Jews, including children, spitting at Christian worshippers in Jerusalem's Old City has drawn widespread condemnation. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejected the idea that spitting was a Jewish tradition or religious imperative. The incident has raised concerns about Israel's standing among pilgrims and its image as a safe home for Christians. Police have begun taking action and making arrests in response to the harassment of Christians in the city. Christian clergy in the Old City describe a deteriorating atmosphere of harassment and fear that incidents could escalate into violence.
A Haredi newspaper affiliated with the non-Hasidic Degel Hatorah faction in United Torah Judaism, a key ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has called on its readers not to attend a mass rally in support of the government's bid to weaken the judiciary. The newspaper is in favor of legal reform but opposes the dictatorial takeover of people's lives by liberal terrorism. The rally is being organized by nationalist religious and settler activist groups and individuals, and some of the most senior members of the cabinet will speak at the event. The legislation would give governing coalitions almost complete control over judicial appointments and reduce the High Court of Justice's ability to strike down legislation.
