Israeli Knesset Approves Exemption Law for Draft-Dodging Ultra-Orthodox in Close Vote

The Israeli Knesset passed the exemption law for draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men in its second and third readings. The vote concluded with 58 members supporting the bill and 54 opposing it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the parliamentary session but was not present during the actual vote. Notably, Likud members Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz voted against the legislation, as did Sharren Haskel from the Religious Zionist Party. Michal Waldiger of the Religious Zionist Party was absent from the vote.