Legal Counsel Opposes Bill Freezing Prosecution of Draft-Dodging Haredim, Citing Rule of Law Concerns

The legal counsel of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued a review opposing the proposed Security Service Law amendment that seeks to freeze criminal proceedings against draft-dodging Haredi yeshiva students. The counsel criticized the bill for attempting to create a bypass route that would eliminate the need for a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the status of yeshiva students regarding military service. The review emphasized that the proposed arrangement effectively legitimizes future draft evaders to disobey the Security Service Law and disregard legal obligations, granting them preemptive immunity and protection from criminal prosecution.