Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Bill to Freeze Arrests of Ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva Students

On Sunday, the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the bill to freeze arrests of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students for a second and third reading. The legislation was initiated and led by Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party. The bill aims to halt what supporters call the "criminal" detention of Torah learners, reflecting widespread opposition among much of the Jewish public in Israel to these arrests.

MK Meir Porush, a prominent ultra-Orthodox lawmaker, praised the committee's decision, stating that it sends a clear message that the majority of the Jewish people in Israel oppose the detention of Torah students, which he said harms the country. He expressed hope that the bill would receive final approval in the Knesset plenum later this week.

The bill and its approval come amid ongoing protests by ultra-Orthodox communities against military conscription efforts targeting yeshiva students. Meanwhile, political commentator Avishai Ben Haim criticized the move, warning that it could lead the right-wing bloc to electoral defeat. The bill's progress marks a significant development in the contentious debate over ultra-Orthodox military service in Israel.