Israeli Security Committee Approves Temporary Freeze on Yeshiva Students' Arrests

The Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved a bill amendment concerning the integration of yeshiva students into military service. The amendment, passed by a narrow margin of eight to seven, introduces a temporary provision freezing the arrests of yeshiva students whose primary occupation is Torah study. This freeze is set to take effect upon the law's final approval in the Knesset and will remain valid until November 30, 2026.

Under the approved text, a yeshiva student is defined as someone engaged in regular Torah study for at least 45 hours per week, while kollel students must study at least 40 hours weekly, except during vacations designated by the Defense Minister. The Defense Minister will also be responsible for compiling a list of eligible yeshivas based on criteria established in regulations. Inclusion requires a declaration from the institution's administration confirming compliance with the study requirements.

The law establishes a supervision mechanism led by the Ministry of Defense, which may collaborate with the Ministry of Education's inspection teams to ensure institutions meet the stipulated conditions. Should a yeshiva experience repeated absenteeism of 20% or more among its students, it will receive a warning. Continued absenteeism after the warning will result in the yeshiva's removal from the recognized list, and its students will be required to register at another institution.