Israeli Knesset Proposes Temporary Freeze on Arrests of Haredi Draft Dodgers with Strict Conditions

Ahead of the second and third readings in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the full text of a temporary law was published to freeze arrest and enforcement actions against Haredi yeshiva students who evade military service. The law, effective immediately upon publication and lasting less than five months, aims to halt detention, investigation, and enforcement against eligible students during this interim period.

The law defines eligibility for the freeze based on strict criteria: the student must study at a recognized yeshiva for at least 45 hours weekly, with a total commitment of at least 40 hours per week excluding official vacations, and must not engage in any work besides studying. Both the student and the yeshiva head must submit written affidavits confirming compliance. The yeshiva head is required to report monthly to the military on students who cease studying. If a yeshiva incurs fines or penalties for five students, its head loses the authority to submit affidavits.

The freeze applies automatically from the law’s effective date until its expiration, preventing any arrest, investigation, or enforcement against those who declare they meet the study conditions as of July 1, 2023, or their relevant draft date. Students must submit affidavits online within 30 days of the law’s start to maintain protection. Special military committees, led by a colonel from the military prosecution and two lieutenant colonels from manpower, will verify affidavit authenticity and may access government information. While under review, students cannot be arrested or prosecuted, and ongoing legal proceedings will be halted.

The law clarifies this is not a permanent exemption or deferment from service. It also establishes a monitoring and sanction system for yeshivas. The Defense Minister will appoint inspectors who may use the Education Ministry’s audit mechanisms to conduct physical attendance checks every three months. Yeshivas with repeated absenteeism of 20% or more will first receive a warning and may be removed from the official list of recognized institutions, forcing students to transfer to maintain their status. The Defense Minister must report quarterly to the committee on inspections and outcomes.

Existing yeshivas listed under previous arrangements will be automatically recognized upon the law’s enactment, with the Defense Minister required to update and publish the official list within three months.