Opposition Condemns Law Freezing Arrests of Haredi Draft Dodgers in Israel

The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved advancing a controversial bill to freeze arrests of Haredi yeshiva students who dodge military service to its second and third readings on Sunday. This decision sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders who accused the government coalition of discrimination and undermining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, called the law "illegitimate" and accused the "draft-dodging coalition" of harming the IDF and Israeli society to maintain power. Former Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli condemned the law as discriminatory, stating that secular draft dodgers face arrest and punishment while Haredi draft dodgers remain free to live without consequences, causing anxiety among soldiers' families.

Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid party, criticized the coalition for "dividing blood from blood," arguing the government prevents the IDF from recruiting those obligated to serve while extending service for those already burdened. MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu called the law the "peak of discriminatory policy," highlighting that during wartime, the government exempts Haredi draft dodgers from arrest while secular soldiers bear the brunt of military service.

The bill's approval by the committee signals its likely passage in the Knesset, continuing the contentious debate over military conscription exemptions for the Haredi community and the broader implications for Israeli society and the IDF's manpower.