Haredi Boycott Freezes Non-Controversial Security Legislation in the Knesset

Several security and law-enforcement bills remain stalled in the Knesset plenum because of the Haredi boycott that is paralyzing the coalition, even though they are not part of the usual political disputes. The article says the delay is happening at a time of intense security pressure, and argues that the deadlock is harming national security by blocking laws meant to give police more tools and curb benefits to terrorists.

One prominent measure would bar Red Cross visits to imprisoned terrorists. The bill was already approved by the National Security Committee, headed by MK Tzvika Foghel, and it went through intensive work with the Foreign Ministry and received Cabinet committee approval, but it has still not advanced to a final vote. Supporters say the goal is to prevent the Red Cross from reaching jailed terrorists, and that postponing it amounts to giving terrorists a reward.

A second bill, amending the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, would let police demand security-camera footage immediately. That proposal has also been blocked. Without it, police would need to wait for a judge’s approval each time they seek video evidence, which the article says would slow the solving of crimes and could cost lives.

The piece concludes that the stalemate is not just about terrorism but also street crime, and that internal political disputes are stopping legislation that the public expects to move quickly. It asks whether the Haredi parties understand the gravity of the moment, and says the country needs effective governance now.