Israeli Parliament to Vote on Halting Arrests of Draft-Dodging Ultra-Orthodox Despite IDF Chief's Opposition

The Israeli Knesset is set to hold a final vote on Tuesday to approve a controversial law freezing the arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, despite strong opposition from IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The legislation, approved overnight by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for second and third readings, also extends mandatory regular military service to 32 months. This move follows the recent final approval of the Basic Law on Torah Study and is part of a political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and ultra-Orthodox factions.

The bill has sparked significant opposition from the political opposition and some coalition members. Likud MK Tali Gottlieb called for Zamir's dismissal over his objections, warning him to "know his place." Currently, the police do not assist the IDF in arresting draft dodgers from the ultra-Orthodox community, and the military police face violent resistance during such operations. Even when arrests occur, detainees are often released within days. IDF officials warn that the regular and reserve forces are stretched to their limits, with some units at risk of collapse if service is reduced back to 30 months.

Since the outbreak of the war on October 7 three years ago, the IDF has sought to expand recruitment among ultra-Orthodox men, issuing approximately 90,000 draft summonses, but only a few dozen have complied. The government and police have largely refrained from enforcing arrests, and sanctions have only been applied following court intervention. The new law delays the reduction of mandatory service from 32 to 30 months until June 2029 and includes incentives for extended service.

Zamir sent an unusual letter to Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and committee chairman Boaz Bismuth, urging them to remove a clause granting the IDF authority to determine who qualifies as a yeshiva student exempt from enforcement. He cited concerns about damaging troop morale, lack of operational advantage, and diversion of resources during wartime. Zamir warned that freezing arrests and legal proceedings would encourage draft evasion and undermine military discipline.

The committee office criticized Zamir for raising objections only after the bill had passed committee stages, suggesting the timing was deliberate. Likud MK Avichai Boaron also condemned Zamir's public stance, calling it a political act beyond his professional role. Opposition figures and reservist families have expressed outrage, accusing the government of deepening inequality and neglecting the military's needs during ongoing conflict. Former Defense Minister Gadi Eizenkot and Democratic Union leader Yair Golan also criticized the government and ultra-Orthodox leaders for their roles in the legislation and draft evasion.