Israeli Parliament Advances Broad Immunity Law Protecting Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers

The Israeli Knesset has published a new version of a law designed to protect ultra-Orthodox Jewish draft dodgers from arrest, revealing a far-reaching framework that offers extensive benefits without imposing any military service obligations. Unlike previous versions, the law does not set recruitment targets or sanctions but instead provides exemptions such as allowing ultra-Orthodox individuals to travel abroad freely and suspending economic penalties related to draft evasion.

This legal arrangement is intended as a temporary measure until a more permanent solution is established, effectively extending protections beyond the initial three-month period mentioned. Oversight of who qualifies as a Torah student will rely solely on reports from yeshivas, and the Defense Minister has the authority to appoint supervisors, though no deadline has been set for these appointments, potentially delaying enforcement.

Simultaneously, the Knesset is advancing a "Basic Law: Torah Study," with a first reading vote scheduled for Wednesday. This law aims to provide a constitutional shield in the Supreme Court regarding Torah study exemptions. A committee will also be formed to consider freezing legal proceedings against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, relying heavily on affidavits, which may limit flexibility.

With only three weeks left in the current Knesset session, lawmakers are prioritizing this legislation as part of a political agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties. Legal experts have criticized the new law as more lenient than previous draft laws, as it imposes no service requirements on the ultra-Orthodox community.

Key political events include a parliamentary discussion on the Basic Law on Torah Study and a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting to discuss the draft evasion arrest prevention law. The government aims to pass these laws swiftly before the Knesset dissolves.