PNN – In addition to external challenges, the Israeli regime is currently facing deep internal crises, with the growing influence of the Haredim—the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community—standing out as one of its most significant domestic issues.
The Rise of the Haredi Challenge
Amid the complex political and military crises that have gripped Israel in recent years, the Haredim have once again become key players in the regime’s political and social arena. Known for their strict adherence to Torah traditions, they form a significant part of Israel’s religious and cultural fabric and exert direct influence over government policies through their demands. The recent massive demonstrations in Jerusalem—dubbed the “March of Millions”—highlighted the growing tension between the two main poles of Israeli society: religious traditionalism and secular statehood. These protests came at a time when Israel remains mired in the Gaza war and facing severe internal instability. The mass mobilization of Haredim was not merely a religious protest but a sign of a deeper struggle over identity, social justice, and the legitimacy of the secular state.
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The Recent Haredi Demonstrations
Jerusalem recently witnessed one of the largest religious gatherings in its history. According to Israeli media, more than 200,000 Haredim took to the streets to protest a Supreme Court decision ending the military draft exemption for yeshiva students. The demonstration, labeled by the media as the “March of Millions,” brought the city to a standstill, shutting down public transport and major routes.
Although the protest began with religious discipline, it quickly took on political dimensions. Chants such as “The Torah is our shield” and “Religious study is true service” echoed through the crowds. Dressed in traditional black attire and holding placards with religious slogans, participants presented their presence not merely as civic activism but as an act of spiritual resistance.
Religious leaders declared that the cancellation of draft exemptions amounted to an “assault on the foundations of Jewish faith” and insisted that no earthly authority could justify it. Scattered clashes broke out between protesters and police, and the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy who fell from a height added a somber note to the event, drawing greater media attention. Public opinion in Israel became sharply divided—some accused the Haredim of disregarding law and public safety, while the protesters called the death a “sacrifice for faith.”
The political ramifications of the demonstrations were substantial. Religious parties affiliated with the Haredi community, including Shas and United Torah Judaism, used the rally as leverage against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet, pressing for the restoration of draft exemptions and renewed funding for religious schools. Secular and centrist factions, meanwhile, condemned these moves as unjust and irresponsible, especially while the army is engaged in intense fighting in Gaza. Thus, the protests became not just a religious event but a reflection of Israel’s deepening political crisis and the widening divide between its religious and secular populations.
Who Are the Haredim and What Do They Want?
The Haredim represent an ultra-Orthodox branch of Judaism that emerged in 19th-century Eastern Europe. The word “Haredi” comes from the Hebrew root meaning “one who trembles before God,” expressing their rejection of modernity as a threat to religious purity. Thinkers such as Rabbi Moshe Sofer strongly opposed the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) and advocated a strict return to Torah traditions. After the collapse of Jewish communities in Europe, many followers migrated to Israel, establishing insular communities in various parts of the occupied territories.
Today, the Haredi population in Israel is estimated at around 1.3 million—roughly 13 to 14 percent of the total. Men spend most of their time studying Torah in yeshivas and typically avoid participating in the workforce, while women manage household finances, often earning below-average incomes.
Doctrinally, Haredim adhere to literal interpretations of the Torah and Talmud, believing that the world is governed by 613 divine commandments (mitzvot). They see continuous Torah study as a sacred duty and believe the survival of Israel depends not on military strength but on spiritual devotion. From this perspective, they regard democracy and Zionism as secular constructs that contradict divine sovereignty.
Their main demands from the Israeli government can be summarized in three points: continued financial support for religious schools (amounting to over one billion shekels annually), strict observance of Shabbat laws prohibiting public activity on Saturdays, and gender segregation in education and social spaces. For the Haredim, these are not privileges but essential defenses against modern cultural encroachment.
One of the core flashpoints between the Haredim and the government is compulsory military service. Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, a limited number of Haredi men were exempted from service as a gesture of respect toward religion. Over time, this temporary measure became permanent, with about 13,000 men now receiving exemptions annually. However, the community’s rapid population growth has turned this into a major public controversy. The Haredim argue that army life conflicts with their religious principles due to its mixed-gender, secular environment and Sabbath violations. Secular Israelis, on the other hand, view the exemption as unfair, forcing others to bear the burden of defense.
Conclusion
The Israeli Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision to abolish draft exemptions and cut funding for religious schools triggered a major political crisis. Haredi parties withdrew from the coalition, helping to spark the massive October 2025 protests. For religious leaders, the move was an “attack on faith,” while opponents saw it as a necessary step toward social equality. The conflict has since evolved into a struggle between two worldviews—one rooted in divine authority, the other in secular law.
Ultimately, the Haredim have become the symbol of resistance against secularization within Israel. With their growing numbers and political influence, they are not only defending their past but also shaping the future of the Zionist regime. Alongside its external challenges, Israel now faces profound internal divisions—and the Haredi issue is only one example of its mounting domestic crises.