Supreme Court Unanimously Strikes Down Law Freezing Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evasion Enforcement

Israel's Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by nine justices, has nullified a law passed in July that froze enforcement actions against ultra-Orthodox men evading military conscription. The court cited a significant procedural flaw in the legislative process, stating the law that passed differed fundamentally from the version initially presented to the Knesset. This means the law effectively never completed its first reading, constituting a severe defect in its passage.

In addition to the procedural issue, eight of the nine justices also ruled that the law's content was unconstitutional, arguing it severely infringed upon the right to equality. Justice David Mintz was the sole dissenter on the constitutional grounds but agreed with the majority that the law should be voided due to the flawed legislative procedure.

The ruling means that enforcement measures against ultra-Orthodox individuals obligated to serve in the military but who do not enlist can now proceed. The court issued a final order formally canceling the law.