Supreme Court Unanimously Strikes Down Law on Haredi Draft Evasion Arrests

Israel's Supreme Court has unanimously overturned a law that prevented the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. The ruling effectively ends the legislative effort, which had been in effect for only a few days before being frozen by the court's interim order. The decision restores the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) enforcement and arrest powers to their previous standard immediately.

The controversial law, passed by the Knesset in March, was intended to provide a temporary arrangement for the enlistment of yeshiva students, exempting them from military service. However, it faced significant opposition from secular Israelis and reservist soldiers who argued it created an unfair system. Critics contended that the law allowed thousands of ultra-Orthodox men to evade military service, which is mandatory for most other Israeli citizens.

The court's decision came after petitions filed by several organizations, including the Israel Movement for Quality Government and the reservists' group "Brothers in Arms." These groups argued that the law violated the principle of equality and placed an undue burden on those who do serve. The ruling emphasizes the court's role in safeguarding constitutional principles against legislative actions perceived as discriminatory.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, the IDF will now resume its standard procedures for dealing with draft evaders, including the possibility of arrest for those who do not comply with enlistment orders. The government has not yet announced its next steps in addressing the complex issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription.