Israeli Parliament Advances Significant Changes to Haredi Draft Evasion Arrest Freeze Law

A week after the initial draft of the law to freeze arrests of Haredi draft evaders was published, an updated version with substantial changes was released on Monday. The law, promoted as part of a deal between Haredi parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set for discussion on objections starting Tuesday, with a potential vote for second and third readings if proceedings go smoothly.

Key changes include removing the original 90-day limit on the arrest freeze, extending the law's validity to five months until November 30. Despite initially being a temporary measure for the election period, the law will effectively last six months due to a Basic Law provision that automatically extends laws expiring within four months of Knesset dissolution.

Another significant amendment cancels the clause barring a yeshiva head from declaring immunity status for students if five students were fined. Instead, the Defense Minister will determine which yeshivas can grant arrest immunity to their students, based on recommendations from the Yeshiva Committee and oversight from the Education Ministry. Additionally, if a yeshiva is found not genuinely teaching Torah, its students may simply register at another yeshiva.

This legislative move is part of a broader agreement revealed by ynet, in which Netanyahu and Haredi leaders agreed to advance several laws protecting Haredi interests, including the Basic Law on Torah Study and kosher certification laws. In return, Haredi parties are expected to support politically sensitive coalition initiatives, such as a political investigation committee on the October 7 events and reforms related to the Attorney General's position and election timing.

The freeze law not only halts criminal proceedings against Torah students but also sets a precedent for future permanent exemptions from military service. The clear definition of status, registration mechanisms, and declarations embedded in the law are expected to establish a de facto regulated status for Torah learners in Israel. When a permanent exemption law is eventually legislated, the lists and criteria developed under this temporary law will serve as the baseline, enabling Haredi leadership to demand exemptions for those officially recognized as Torah students.