Israeli Government Advances Law Freezing Arrests of Draft-Dodging Haredi Men with Future Exemption Framework

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has initiated a new law aimed at freezing arrests of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men who evade military conscription. The law, published on Sunday, suspends criminal proceedings against these draft dodgers for 90 days and establishes a legal framework that could pave the way for a permanent exemption from military service for Torah scholars.

The law defines "yeshiva student" status with strict criteria: unmarried students must study at least 45 hours weekly in Torah studies, while married students in kollels must study 40 hours weekly. Students are prohibited from engaging in any other occupation. Compliance will be verified through sworn affidavits from both the students and their yeshiva heads, who must also report monthly to military authorities on any students who cease studying.

To enforce the law, the Defense Minister will compile an official list of recognized yeshivas, subject to approval by the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The Defense Ministry will appoint inspectors to conduct quarterly audits, and yeshivas with repeated absenteeism exceeding 20% risk removal from the official list, forcing students to find alternative institutions.

The law also halts all enforcement actions against approximately 90,000 Haredi men who have not reported for military service since July 1, 2023. Special military committees led by senior officers will review exemption requests individually. Those approved will have ongoing legal proceedings stopped and existing court rulings suspended. Police will no longer detain draft evaders during random encounters, such as protests, until military police arrive.

This legislation is seen as more than a temporary fix; it sets a precedent that could institutionalize the exemption of Torah scholars from military service in Israel. The lists and definitions created during this 90-day period may serve as the foundation for future permanent legislation exempting Haredi men from conscription.