Israeli Official Orders 90-Day Freeze on Arrests of Yeshiva Students Over Military Service

Boaz Bismuth, an Israeli official, issued a temporary directive on Sunday to suspend arrests, investigations, and enforcement actions against yeshiva students who have declared their status as such in relation to military service obligations. The freeze will last for 90 days from the law's commencement and applies to those who fail to report for service. During this period, individuals can submit affidavits along with a statement from their yeshiva head to request halting legal proceedings. If a case is already underway, it will be paused, and any final judgments will not be executed.

This move follows a request from government secretary Yossi Fox, who urged Bismuth to advance a provision in the military conscription law that halts criminal proceedings against Torah learners. Fox's letter highlighted that enforcement measures have caused feelings of persecution and extremism, advocating for a three-month suspension of legal actions against yeshiva students. The decision comes amid political momentum driven by leaders Moshe Gafni of Degel HaTorah and Aryeh Deri of Shas, as the Knesset committee announced plans to accelerate discussions on a Basic Law proposal concerning Torah study.

The directive clarifies that the suspension of legal proceedings does not exempt yeshiva students from other sanctions. This development reflects ongoing tensions in Israel over military conscription exemptions for religious students and the political efforts to address them through legislation and temporary administrative measures.