Ultra-Orthodox

Israel's parliament dissolved ahead of October 27 elections after passing multiple bills in Netanyahu's final term. The Knesset completed a rare four-year term, with Netanyahu struggling to retain power amid rising support for opposition parties. Recent legislation included halting ultra-Orthodox military enlistment and judicial reforms targeting government control.

Likud and its allies supported a controversial law shielding ultra-Orthodox individuals from military conscription, risking loss of public support as the legislation faces potential judicial invalidation. The move is seen as a strategic misstep that may weaken Netanyahu’s coalition ahead of elections.

IDF chief Zamir criticizes a bill freezing ultra-Orthodox enlistment as 'inconceivable,' expressing concerns over army manpower needs and the proposal to have army officers oversee exemptions. He raised these issues with Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and the Knesset defense committee.

The article discusses the violent ultra-Orthodox opposition to the draft, highlighting an attack on Justice Noam Sohlberg's home. Extremists are portrayed as framing the draft resistance as a holy war against the state, refusing to compromise.

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked roads and trains across Israel, setting cars on fire to oppose mandatory military enlistment.

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked roads and trains across Israel, setting cars on fire to protest mandatory military enlistment.

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked roads and trains in Israel to oppose mandatory military service. The demonstrations, which included attacks on soldiers and burning vehicles, highlight tensions over religious exemptions to conscription and threaten to destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

Ultra-Orthodox protests blocked roads and halted traffic in Israel, with protesters disrupting public transport by climbing railway tracks and blocking a light rail line. A protester was seriously injured after being hit by a motorcyclist on Route 4.

Netanyahu and the Haredim are engaged in a power struggle over the Knesset dissolution process, triggered by the ultra-Orthodox demand for draft exemptions. Analysts suggest neither side may actually want early elections, focusing instead on gaining leverage.