MK Meir Porush Criticizes Legal Advice and Political Handling of Draft Law in Knesset Security Committee
On Tuesday, MK Meir Porush, chairman of the Shlomei Emunim movement, delivered a sharp critique during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting focused on the draft Security Service Law and the freezing of arrests of yeshiva students. Porush expressed frustration with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the committee's legal counsel, stating that the current legal advice would have prevented David Ben-Gurion from founding the state of Israel. "With legal advice like today, Ben-Gurion would not have succeeded in establishing the state," Porush said, urging for practical solutions instead of chaos.
Porush also criticized the failure to heed recommendations from the Kadhi Committee, which advocated that anyone studying three daily Talmudic orders should continue their studies uninterrupted. He lamented that "everyone thinks they are smarter" and that ignoring these recommendations was a mistake. The legal counsel’s opinion argued that the proposed law to freeze arrests exceeds its original purpose and effectively grants amnesty to draft evaders, legitimizing future non-compliance with military service laws.
The debate reflects growing frustration within the ultra-Orthodox community over the draft law's handling. Senior figures in United Torah Judaism accused Netanyahu of mocking the Haredi public and its leaders. The committee resumed discussions after a prolonged pause ordered by the Prime Minister, with MK Boaz Bismuth expressing hope for sincere progress, though challenges remain.
IDF data presented by Colonel Shay Tayeb highlighted concerning trends: while Haredi enlistment is increasing due to more tailored service tracks and sanctions, the number of draft evaders is rising sharply. Tayeb warned that by mid-2025, the number of evaders could reach 80,000 to 90,000, despite some enlistees motivated by legal or enforcement pressures.
Porush also attacked the Religious Zionist Party for opposing parts of the law protecting Torah students, accusing them of naivety and warning that left-wing forces could ultimately undermine their position. He referenced historical opposition from Rabbi of Brisk to the Religious Front, emphasizing longstanding distrust. The committee’s deliberations continue amid high tensions over the sensitive issue of military conscription in the Haredi sector.
