Journalist Yuli Barim Reveals Violence and Political Rift Behind Ultra-Orthodox Protests Against IDF Draft
Yuli Barim, a reporter for Channel 13, recently faced a violent attack during a large protest against military conscription in Bnei Brak, forcing him to seek refuge in a hospital parking lot. In a candid interview with Moshe Mens and Israel Meir, Barim described the hostile atmosphere, noting that while some ultra-Orthodox individuals tried to protect him, the crowd's aggression made it nearly impossible to continue reporting safely. He recounted being subjected to curses, kicks, and objects thrown at him.
Barim, who has covered ultra-Orthodox protests for over three years, explained that tensions have escalated due to the involvement of local cultural figures who inflamed young protesters, creating an environment hostile to the media. He highlighted the paradox where protesters simultaneously attack journalists yet demand their documentation of police conduct. Barim questioned the mutual dependence between the Haredi faction known as the Jerusalem Faction and the media.
Addressing the broader draft crisis, Barim painted a bleak picture of leadership within the ultra-Orthodox community, comparing the Jerusalem Faction to opposition politicians who find it easier to shout from the sidelines than to manage complex realities. He noted a lack of strategic planning among Haredi leaders to resolve the draft issue, resulting in dramatic radicalization, even among historically moderate figures like Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef.
Barim also exposed a significant internal rift within the Shas party, contrasting its instability with the relative steadiness of United Torah Judaism. He revealed growing tensions between Shas leader Aryeh Deri and the party's rabbis, with Deri allegedly aligning more closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu than with the rabbinic leadership. This discord reportedly influenced the decision not to appoint Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef as president of the Council of Torah Sages, reflecting Deri's desire to maintain control.
Behind the scenes, Barim disclosed surprising alliances, including Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's close relationship with the Gur Rebbe, who privately criticizes Netanyahu and favors cooperation with left-wing parties to secure draft exemptions. This stance contrasts sharply with Deri's public loyalty to Netanyahu. The recent rally led by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef reportedly occurred against Deri's wishes, illustrating the deepening power struggle within Shas. Barim concluded that these fractures could impact future elections and voter behavior within the ultra-Orthodox community.
