Eli Hirshman
Eli Hirshman is a prominent Israeli journalist and the Haredi affairs correspondent for Channel 12 News (N12). He is recognized for his extensive coverage of the ultra-Orthodox community, particularly regarding IDF enlistment tensions, legislative draft proposals, and civil-police confrontations.
Eli Hirshman serves as the Haredi affairs correspondent for Channel 12 News (N12), Israel's most-watched news outlet. In this capacity, Hirshman has become a central figure in documenting the evolving relationship between the Haredi community and the state, specifically during periods of heightened domestic friction. His reporting often focuses on the intersection of religious life and national security, including the sensitive issue of IDF draft orders and the subsequent protests by the 'Jerusalem Faction' and other anti-enlistment groups.
In June and July 2026, Hirshman’s reporting gained significant attention during a wave of Haredi protests against the arrest of draft evaders. He was responsible for publishing critical documentation of police conduct during the clearance of road blockades on Highway 4 and the Jerusalem light rail. His footage has frequently highlighted allegations of excessive force, including incidents where officers were filmed using batons or dragging demonstrators. These reports contributed to the public and parliamentary discourse regarding police conduct, leading to calls for a parliamentary inquiry by political figures such as MK Uri Maklev.
Beyond field reporting, Hirshman is a primary source for legislative developments. In late June 2026, he published the full text of a coalition draft bill aimed at resolving the enlistment crisis. The proposal included a 90-day freeze on arrest proceedings for yeshiva students and the deployment of inspectors to verify student presence in study halls. His work also covers the integration of Haredi youth into the IDF and Border Police despite social pressures, as well as the impact of proposed laws on social benefits. Hirshman's reporting serves as a critical bridge between the internal developments of the Haredi sector and the broader Israeli public, providing transparency into the legislative and social shifts defining the current era of Israeli security and civil cohesion.