Knesset Begins Vote on Halting Arrests of Haredi Draft Dodgers Amid Coalition Moves

On July 14, 2026, the Knesset plenary session commenced voting on a bill to freeze the arrests of Haredi draft dodgers after months of negotiations, crises, and threats from ultra-Orthodox parties. The legislation aims to halt the detention of Haredi individuals evading military service, a contentious issue in Israeli politics.

Simultaneously, the coalition plans to advance the second and third readings of a bill to repeal the kosher certification reform initiated by former Minister Matan Kahana. This reform had introduced competition into the kosher certification market, a move opposed by some factions. The parliamentary effort to promote these legislative changes is led by MK Ohad Tal from the Religious Zionism party.

These developments reflect ongoing tensions within the coalition regarding religious and military service policies, with significant implications for the Haredi community and the kosher certification system in Israel.