Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Law to Freeze Arrests of Yeshiva Students

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the bill to freeze the arrests of yeshiva students in a narrow vote of eight in favor and seven against. The legislation, passed for second and third readings on Sunday, aims to protect students engaged in intensive Torah study from detention.

Under the proposed law, students who study at least 45 hours weekly in a yeshiva or 40 hours in a kollel will have their arrests suspended. The Defense Minister is tasked with compiling an official list of recognized yeshivas that meet these criteria, based on standards set by regulations. Inclusion requires a declaration from the yeshiva's director confirming the regularity and extent of Torah study.

The Defense Minister will also oversee enforcement, appointing inspectors who may collaborate with the Ministry of Education's monitoring mechanisms. If an inspector finds that 20% or more of a yeshiva's students are repeatedly absent, the institution will receive a warning. Continued absenteeism at this level will result in the yeshiva's removal from the approved list, with students given the option to register elsewhere.

This temporary arrangement acknowledges the significance of Torah study and seeks to balance religious education with legal enforcement. The bill's approval is subject to revision as it progresses through the legislative process.