Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
United Torah Judaism threatens to oppose other coalition bills if daycare bill falls
On Sunday, it was reported that Netanyahu's aid, Eliezer Feldstein, was a suspect in leaking sensitive security documents.
The scale of reserve duty "constitutes a heavy burden on both reservists and employers," said the report.
The government has been trying to circumvent the legal barrier to continue subsidizing daycare for haredi yeshiva students.
The religious Zionist Party conditioned its support on prioritizing IDF reservists.
The national religious public once questioned who was closer—the secular kibbutznik from Mishmar HaEmek or the haredi from Kiryat Sefer. In Israel’s ongoing war, the answer is clear.
The elections for Chief Rabbi are conducted by a 150-member statutory electoral body. The final tally was 77-58 in favor of Bar.
There has been a disconnect between the reality of the religious Zionist community and their key politicians who protect the haredim from any sanctions over avoiding conscription.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi called for a larger military on Wednesday, highlighting a haredi soldier's success story as he pushed for greater ultra-Orthodox integration into the forces.
According to a source in the coalition, the issue of haredi IDF service was unsolvable, and it could eventually topple the government.
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