Israeli Parliament Passes Law Freezing Arrests of Draft-Dodging Yeshiva Students Amid Sharp Opposition

The Israeli Knesset approved a controversial law freezing enforcement actions against yeshiva students classified as draft dodgers, sparking intense political debate. The legislation, passed Tuesday with a 58-vote majority, halts arrests and investigations for 90 days while authorities review the students' status. It was promoted by ultra-Orthodox parties and hailed by coalition members as a victory for Torah learners.

Moshe Gafni, head of the Degel HaTorah party, praised the law as "justice for the sons of Torah," emphasizing its role in protecting religious study and the rights of yeshiva students. However, some coalition members expressed reservations. Avi Maoz of the Noam party supported the law but criticized it as a partial measure that fails to fully address the military draft crisis, calling it a "band-aid" ahead of elections.

Opposition figures condemned the law vehemently. Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, accused the government of siding against soldiers and the military establishment. Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, announced he had filed a petition with the Supreme Court, labeling the law "one of the most shameful and reckless" in Israel's history and warning it would deepen societal divisions and harm national security. He highlighted the unequal treatment of draft evaders, noting that secular or religious Zionist draft dodgers face arrest while ultra-Orthodox individuals receive immunity.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also criticized the law as "anti-Zionist," pledging to repeal it and strengthen support for soldiers if his party returns to power. The law defines a yeshiva student as one studying Torah for at least 45 hours weekly, with the Defense Minister responsible for certifying eligible institutions. The freeze on enforcement will last 90 days from the law's enactment, during which time students can declare their status and have their cases reviewed.

The law's passage reflects ongoing tensions in Israeli society over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men and the broader debate about equality, security, and religious rights.