The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Day 496 - Likud lawmakers push together for Haredi draft

Feb 13, 2025

Political correspondent Sam Sokol discusses the fierce debates surrounding ultra-Orthodox army enlistment in Israel, revealing a push from Likud lawmakers for stricter draft regulations. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes introduces the Jewish Climate Trust, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting climate action within Jewish communities, while addressing challenges faced by moshavim affected by recent Hamas attacks. Their insights blend urgent political issues with environmental activism, reflecting the complex landscape of modern Israel.

19:08

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Episode guests

Sam Sokol

Sue Surkes

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Likud party's internal debate over Haredi enlistment highlights significant political divisions regarding military service exemptions and proposed reforms.

The launch of the Jewish Climate Trust marks a pivotal step in uniting Jewish communities for environmental action in response to climate change challenges.

Deep dives

Hostage Negotiation Progress

The ongoing war and its impact on hostage negotiations are significant themes, with Israel communicating that a ceasefire will persist if Hamas releases three hostages by Saturday. Recently, signs of life have been reported for ten hostages, indicating some progress in the negotiations. However, only one of these ten is included in the current list of thirty-three captives expected to be released in this phase, highlighting the complexities involved. The situation has spurred public protests in Tel Aviv, where demonstrators are urging for the completion of the hostage deal, emphasizing the urgency for the families of the captured individuals.

Intro

3min

Tensions Over Haredi Enlistment

7min

Navigating Political Tensions and Environmental Realities

3min

Uniting Jewish Philanthropy for Climate Action

4min

Inequities in Post-Conflict Community Support

4min

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Sokol looks at the coalition's struggle over ultra-Orthodox army service exemptions, between those who want to minimize exemptions and those who want to use legislation to create a gradual increase leading to universal enlistment. He discusses a recent Likud lawmaker conference on the subject, that called for a more universal Haredi draft and sanctions on draft dodgers.

In honor of Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish holiday of the trees, Surkes reports on the new Jewish Climate Trust, with heavy involvement from philanthropist Steven Bronfman, of the Canadian Bronfman family. The fund, which is launching next month, will be the first to focus specifically on climate, aiming to help Jewish and Israeli climate organizations build interfaith bridges and regional bridges in the Middle East.

Surkes also speaks about several moshav communities in the south that were attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. Two are located just outside the designated zone of the Gaza Envelope and are therefore not eligible for the funding necessary to rebuild after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

For further reading:

Likud lawmakers hold conference calling for Haredi draft, sanctions on dodgers

Budding climate fund seeks to guide Jewish response to era’s greatest threat

Just 138 yards too far from the Gaza border, towns are denied post-Oct. 7 state support

IMAGE: Haredi men protest and clash with police against the ultra-Orthodox draft on January 28, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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