Ultra-Orthodox Parties Advance Yeshiva Students' Arrest Freeze Law Ahead of Other Coalition Bills

Following prolonged negotiations among coalition leaders, ultra-Orthodox parties secured a significant victory as the Knesset advanced the law freezing arrests of yeshiva students. The bill, initiated by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, was brought to the Knesset plenum immediately after the Basic Law: Torah Study was approved and before other coalition proposals. Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth presented the law and criticized enforcement policies against yeshiva students, stating that "Haredi Jews are beaten in the streets and humiliated just for being Haredi." He described the law as a response to what he called "a different kind of persecution" following the coalition's failure to pass the full conscription law, aiming to halt arrests of Torah learners until after the elections.

Opposing the bill, MK Merav Ben Ari sharply criticized Bismuth from the Knesset podium, arguing that arrests are an effective tool used not only against secular and religious Zionists but also against Haredim. Bismuth challenged her to provide a single case of a Haredi detainee who enlisted. Meanwhile, MK Tali Gottlieb called for the dismissal of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi after his warning about the law's consequences, accusing him of defamation and demanding his immediate firing.

The Knesset recessed until 9:00 a.m. with members on alert for further votes. This legislative move highlights ongoing tensions within the coalition regarding military conscription and the status of Torah study in Israel.