Haredim and the IDF: Learning a Lesson from the Tsars

In Israeli domestic politics, issues surrounding the Haredim and their relationship with the state are again at the forefront. Recent legislation regarding the enlistment of yeshiva students—a longstanding point of contention that, given the current demands the war is placing on reservists, has become a greater than ever source of resentment—came close to toppling the government last week. Then followed a dust-up in the Knesset concerning the appointment of local rabbis, the details of which are too arcane to explain here, which also highlighted the tensions between Haredim and non-Haredim.