An Orthadox Israeli politician has said the country's college programs are part of an effort to securalise haredi jews.

MK Moshe Gafni, Chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee, reportedly criticised participation of ultra-Orthadox jews in higher learning programs, claiming that it is an attempt to "secularise" haredi young men.

Mr Gafni added that this was the reason he doesn't visit haredi academic institutions, because he did not want to be seen as identifying with them.

It comes after it was reported there had been a significant increase in haredi participation in Israeli academic institutions.

Mr Gafni also claimed there was clear-cut discrimination against ultra-Orthadox jews in the workplace.

He said: “Explain to me why the police commissioner didn't want a haredi rabbi as Chief Rabbi of the police.