Story perspectives

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Brace for Military Draft Protests

12/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, the Haredim, faces mandatory military service for the first time in decades.
The Haredim now comprise nearly 14% of Israel's population, fueling resentment over military service.
Binyamin Pappenheim, an activist, expresses the Haredim's frustration over the draft.
Liat Weiss Shahaf, a non-Haredi Israeli, says they feel betrayed by the Haredim's low enlistment rates.
With the 2026 legislative election approaching, the Haredim plan a major protest.

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Story summary

Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, the Haredim, faces mandatory military service for the first time in decades.
The Haredim now comprise nearly 14% of Israel's population, fueling resentment over military service.
Binyamin Pappenheim, an activist, expresses the Haredim's frustration over the draft.
Liat Weiss Shahaf, a non-Haredi Israeli, says they feel betrayed by the Haredim's low enlistment rates.
With the 2026 legislative election approaching, the Haredim plan a major protest.