Israeli Security Committee Chair Criticizes Legal Advisors Over Yeshiva Student Arrests

On Sunday, MK Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, sharply criticized the committee's legal advisors for opposing the suspension of arrests of yeshiva students. Bismuth accused the legal advisors of overstepping their authority by interfering in political and security matters, which he said undermines efforts to integrate ultra-Orthodox youth into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and deepens societal divisions.

Bismuth questioned the legal advisors' mandate, stating, "What makes legal advisors think everything they say is the ultimate authority?" He emphasized that their opinions cannot override the positions of professional military and government officials. During the discussion, officials involved in promoting Haredi enlistment testified that the wave of arrests is counterproductive, alienating the ultra-Orthodox community from military service rather than encouraging it.

This stance contrasts with the legal advisors' view, who insist on upholding equality and oppose granting blanket immunity to any group. Bismuth further accused the committee's legal advisors of acting as an extension of the Attorney General's office. He blamed the judicial system for exacerbating tensions instead of helping to resolve them, saying, "When there is a chance to calm things down, they choose to ignite fires. When there is a chance to reduce the divide, they deepen it."

The controversy arises amid a recruitment crisis following a Supreme Court ruling that revoked the broad exemption from military service for yeshiva students. Government Secretary Yossi Fox supported the law's proponents, warning that the arrests risk sparking civil strife. The proposed legislation includes oversight mechanisms for yeshivas, granting the Defense Minister authority to revoke recognition of yeshivas with absentee rates exceeding 20%.