Knesset Passes Law Freezing Arrests for Haredi Draft Evaders

The Knesset passed a contentious bill on Tuesday with a 58-54 vote to freeze arrests and criminal proceedings against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who evade mandatory military service. The law protects students who study Torah between 40 and 45 hours per week from arrest and suspends prosecution for those already detained until November 30. While nominally temporary, the measure is expected to remain in effect for approximately six months due to upcoming elections on October 27.

Benjamin Netanyahu brokered the legislation as part of a package to satisfy ultra-Orthodox coalition partners, including the United Torah Judaism party. The bill moved quickly through the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on July 12 before reaching the plenum. During the final session, opposition lawmakers shouted "disgrace" at the prime minister, who left the chamber before the vote.

Military and legal leadership strongly opposed the measure. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned the law is inconsistent with military needs and rewards draft dodging during a severe manpower crisis. Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik cautioned that the bill creates a sectoral exemption and followed an improper legislative process. Following the vote, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, Yesh Atid, and Yisrael Beytenu filed petitions with the High Court of Justice to strike down the law.