Israeli Parliament Unveils 90-Day Freeze on Criminal Proceedings Against Yeshiva Students

The Israeli Knesset is set to debate a new urgent law that would impose a 90-day freeze on criminal enforcement actions against yeshiva students who are draft evaders. The legislation, revealed for the first time on Sunday, aims to address the escalating tensions caused by recent arrests of ultra-Orthodox students avoiding military service. The law will be discussed imminently in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee following a formal request by Defense Minister Israel Katz and swift approval by committee chairman Boaz Bismuth.

Under the proposed law, from the date of its approval until 90 days later, no arrests, investigations, or criminal enforcement will be allowed against yeshiva students who are draft evaders. The law targets students studying at least 45 hours weekly (or 40 hours in certain cases) and prohibits them from working outside their institutions. It also removes bureaucratic hurdles by eliminating the need to submit fingerprints to the military; instead, a written declaration from the student and the yeshiva head will immediately halt legal proceedings.

The law introduces strict oversight, requiring authorized inspectors to conduct attendance checks every one to three months. If 20% or more of students are absent repeatedly, the yeshiva will first receive a warning, and if the issue persists, it will be delisted as an officially recognized institution. However, students will retain the right to register at other recognized yeshivas.

Additionally, the law mandates the Chief of Staff to establish a special three-officer committee within seven days to review each request for freezing proceedings. During the committee’s review, no student may be prosecuted, and any existing sentences or detentions will be immediately suspended. The Education Ministry must also provide the Defense Ministry and IDF with data on students’ studies in ultra-Orthodox institutions to assess compliance with recruitment targets before enlistment.