Ultra-Orthodox men at a protest rally against IDF draft evaders' arrests, outside Camp Beit Lid in central Israel housing a military prison, in July. Credit: Amir LevyAs frustration mounts over the draft crisis and the Haredi parties' record in government, new ultra-Orthodox movements are calling for direct voter influence, posing an unprecedented challenge to the establishment01:22 PM • July 31 2026 IDTAt first glance, the four men leading the launch of the new Hakahal party ("the community") in Jerusalem this week looked like typical United Torah Judaism (UTJ) or Shas voters: generic ultra-Orthodox men with beards and sidelocks, white shirts, black suits and fedoras. The rest of the party members, sitting at an adjacent table, looked much the same.In the News'Where Will We Be Expelled To?': West Bank Camps Residents Fear IDF OffensiveHow the Push for Torah Rule Hijacked Israel's Secular RightLiving With 'Gaza Syndrome': Trauma That Renews Itself Every DayThe Palestinian Business Sector Took the Allenby Crossing to the High Court'I've Had Students Who Crossed Over to the Dark Side. The Money Is Tempting'Remembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMINetanyahu Says Israel Has 'Special Forces' Ready if He's Arrested on NY VisitAl Jazeera Reportedly Ends Contracts of Over 20 Gazan JournalistsTwo Female Israeli Soldiers Die by Suicide as IDF Mental Health Crisis DeepensWith the West Bank Primed to Explode, Israel's Government Sees an OpportunityTrump's Irritation, Netanyahu's Desperation: Oval Office Smiles Mask RiftsIsrael's De Facto Strategy Is Exposed in Latest West Bank Settler Violence