Israeli Supreme Court Suspends New Law Protecting Yeshiva Students From Military Arrests

The Israeli Supreme Court issued an interim injunction today suspending the immediate implementation of the new Security Service Law amendment, which was designed to prevent criminal enforcement actions against yeshiva students who refuse military conscription. The decision came after petitions filed by the opposition party Yesh Atid, led by Yair Lapid, and Israel Beiteinu, both challenging the law as discriminatory and unconstitutional under Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty.

Justice Ofer Groskopf criticized the law's unequal enforcement, noting the heavy claims raised by petitioners and the longstanding court rulings on yeshiva conscription. He ordered the government to justify why the law should not be completely annulled, shifting the burden of proof to the state to demonstrate that the legislation does not violate the principle of equality. The law had been passed hastily as part of a political deal between the Prime Minister and ultra-Orthodox parties to avoid Knesset dissolution, replacing a more complex bill with a single immunity clause.

Due to the sensitivity and broad implications of the case, the court decided the petitions will be heard by an expanded panel rather than the usual three-judge panel. The government must submit a detailed response four days before the hearing, which will be scheduled soon by the Supreme Court President. Until a final ruling, the law’s enforcement remains frozen.

The law had passed the Knesset with 63 votes in favor and 52 against. Its sponsor, Moshe Gafni of Degel HaTorah, hailed it as a historic step affirming Torah study as a foundational strength of the Jewish people. Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas, called it a victory for the Torah world and a rebuke to those opposing yeshiva students. The Supreme Court’s suspension represents a significant setback for the government and ultra-Orthodox parties’ efforts to secure legal protections for yeshiva students, and it is expected to provoke intense political and public debate in the coming days.