Yitzhak Goldknopf
Yitzhak Issachar Goldknopf is an Israeli politician who serves as the leader of Agudat Yisrael and as the leader of the United Torah Judaism party, following the resignation of Yaakov Litzman. He also serves as a member of the Knesset for Agudat Yisrael, and previously served as the Minister of Housing and Construction between 2022 and 2025. He previously served as a member of the Jerusalem City Council.
Standing...
Stories...
Sep 15, 2026
Far Left
United Torah Judaism leader Goldknopf is at the center of the Haredi draft law debate, demanding exemptions for yeshiva students.
Hadash opposes the Haredi draft exemption as unequal and unjust, calling for a universal draft or national service that includes all communities.
Sep 11, 2026
Far Left
Goldknopf, United Torah Judaism leader, is threatening to bolt the coalition unless his party secures more funding for Haredi institutions and draft exemptions.
Hadash views Goldknopf as emblematic of a coalition that trades social justice for sectarian privileges, deepening inequality for Arab and working-class Israelis.
Aug 25, 2026
Far Right
The Gerrer Rebbe approved Goldknopf to continue as the Hasidic representative in the next Knesset, with a call to learn from past mistakes and unite UTJ.
For Religious Zionism, Goldknopf's continued leadership is crucial for maintaining the religious bloc's strength, as UTJ's internal unity prevents wasted votes on the right.
Jul 10, 2026
Center
Confronted by combat PTSD veterans during the Knesset debate on the Torah study law, who accused the coalition of ignoring their suffering.
Symbol of the coalition's Haredi-first agenda that Yesh Atid opposes as harmful to national unity and military morale.
Jul 7, 2026
Center
United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf opposed the media law in article 23, causing coalition infighting over its passage.
His party's opposition to the law reflects internal coalition tensions, but his broader push for Haredi interests like draft exemptions harms military equality and national security.
Jul 7, 2026
Far Right
UTJ chairman leads opposition to Karhi's media reform, threatening the coalition's majority.
Criticized for blocking a reform that would strengthen right-wing media influence, seen as prioritizing sectoral interests over national unity.
Jun 25, 2026
Center
Led the Haredi 'slow-convoy' protest against the draft from Jerusalem, and his party is a key partner in the inquiry commission deal.
Yesh Atid criticizes Goldknopf for demanding exemption from service while blocking a real investigation and triggering public disorder.