Knesset Legal Advisor Warns of Conflict of Interest Ahead of Draft Evasion Arrest Freeze Vote

The Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Sagit Afik, issued a letter on Tuesday to lawmakers regarding a potential conflict of interest in the upcoming vote on a bill to freeze arrests of draft evaders. Afik emphasized that any Knesset member with a personal interest, such as having a relative subject to an arrest warrant, detention, or ongoing legal proceedings related to draft evasion, must disclose this before participating in discussions or voting. She clarified that disclosure does not prohibit voting afterward. Notably, Knesset member Aryeh Deri reportedly has three grandchildren who are draft evaders.

The proposed Security Service Law amendment seeks to suspend arrest procedures against yeshiva students recognized as "Torato Omanuto" (Torah study as their profession). It defines eligible students as those engaged in at least 45 weekly hours of Torah study, or 40 hours in kollels, excluding official vacation periods set by the Defense Minister. The bill does not set recruitment quotas or impose financial or criminal sanctions. Arrest freezes would take effect immediately upon the law's approval, requiring signed declarations from both the student and their rabbi.

Amid rapid legislative developments, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warning against the bill. He expressed strong opposition to establishing a committee to review yeshiva students' status and stated the bill contradicts current military needs. Kochavi cautioned that the law would undermine the legitimacy and trust of IDF servicemembers.

The debate reflects ongoing tensions between religious study exemptions and military service obligations in Israel, with significant political and security implications as the Knesset prepares to vote on the measure.