IDF Official Condemns Unequal Enforcement of Military Service Law Amid Torah Study Bill Debate

Brigadier General Shay Tayeb, representing the Israel Defense Forces, criticized the selective enforcement of military service laws during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discussion on the proposed Basic Law for Torah Study. Tayeb stated that it is unacceptable for the law to be enforced against some groups but not others, emphasizing that enforcement is essential to uphold the military service law. He expressed confidence that all ultra-Orthodox individuals are capable of serving in the IDF and warned that halting enforcement would lead to a surge in draft evasion, projecting 90,000 absentees within 18 months.

In response, MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism sarcastically praised the committee's efforts, while MK Merav Cohen retorted that it was Porush's responsibility. Meanwhile, the Knesset Committee approved the first reading of the Basic Law: Torah Study by a vote of 10 to 4. The law aims to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel, but it has sparked intense controversy over its objectives.

According to the draft legislation, from its enactment until 90 days later, no arrests, investigations, or enforcement actions will be taken against military service candidates who declare they meet the required Torah study conditions starting July 1, 2023. The IDF Chief of Staff will establish a committee within seven days to review the status of yeshiva students. Candidates seeking to freeze enforcement must submit personal affidavits and confirmation from their yeshiva head verifying their study status. These submissions will be individually reviewed by the committee.

Amid opposition from the ultra-Orthodox establishment to Hesder yeshivas that combine Torah study with military service, a message was sent to Prime Minister Netanyahu urging no cooperation with these institutions. Ultra-Orthodox factions fear that collaboration would legitimize Hesder yeshivas and grant them credit for regulating draft evasion, which they oppose.