Eli Hirshman

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 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. His footage appeared to show a police officer kicking a protester in the head and another officer dragging a demonstrator along the asphalt. These reports have contributed to the public and legal discourse regarding the use of force by the Israel Police during civil disturbances. Beyond protest coverage, Hirshman tracks internal dynamics within Haredi society, including the integration of Haredi youth into special units like the Border Police (Magav) and the social pressures exerted on those who enlist. His work serves as a bridge between the often-closed Haredi world and the broader Israeli public, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement in religious neighborhoods and the legal battles surrounding the status of yeshiva students. On Thursday June 18, 2026, Hirshman provided footage of radical ultra-Orthodox protesters blocking the Jerusalem light rail for the second time in a week, following arrests related to a disturbance at the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg.