Opposition Condemns Israeli Law Allowing Military Service Exemptions, Files Supreme Court Petition

Shortly after the Knesset approved the controversial law permitting extended military service exemptions, opposition parties intensified their criticism and legal challenge. Yesh Atid, led by former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, announced it filed a petition to the Supreme Court arguing the law undermines equality and promotes draft evasion, particularly benefiting ultra-Orthodox exemptions. Lapid condemned the government as one of "refusers, evaders, and corrupt officials," accusing it of voting against soldiers, the IDF, and mutual responsibility, promising to reverse the law soon.

Yoaz Hendel, head of the Reservists Party, also attacked the coalition, accusing Religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of betraying right-wing voters and national security by yielding to ultra-Orthodox political interests. Hendel urged right-wing voters to abandon their parties and join his movement. Democratic faction chairwoman Efrat Rayten criticized the law as a cynical deal benefiting ultra-Orthodox political operatives at the expense of soldiers’ lives and national security, pledging to repeal it in the next government.

The law was passed in the Knesset’s second and third readings amid multiple petitions already filed against it. The opposition vows to continue fighting the legislation both in court and politically, emphasizing the need to uphold the principle of equal burden-sharing in military service and protect Israel’s security interests.