Over 70 Israeli Local Leaders Oppose New Exemption Laws, Warn of National Resilience Harm

More than 70 Israeli local government heads from across the country have strongly criticized recent laws passed by the Knesset that they say enable widespread draft evasion. The letter, published on Wednesday, includes signatures from mayors and council heads affiliated with various political backgrounds, including Likud-aligned figures such as Haim Bibas, mayor of Modiin and chairman of the Local Government Center.

The signatories emphasized their representation of citizens who serve in the military and bear the security burden, stating, "We represent the public that serves and carries the security burden, a public that has paid the heaviest prices physically and mentally." They expressed protest against legislation that they claim legitimizes evasion by an entire community. While acknowledging the importance of Torah study in Jewish tradition, they stressed that "the value of defending the land and protecting it is equally important." The letter highlighted that many residents successfully combine Torah study with service in the IDF and security forces.

The local leaders warned that the recent legislation constitutes a severe blow to national resilience and social cohesion, especially given Israel's current complex security challenges. They argued that such laws should not have been enacted now or at any time, considering the ongoing threats facing the state.

Among the signatories are prominent figures including Haim Bibas (Modiin), Idan Greenbaum (Emek Yarden Regional Council), Shay Hajaj (Merhavim Regional Council), Yariv Fisher (Herzliya), Ran Konik (Givatayim), Lizzy Delariche (Ganei Tikva), and many others representing a broad spectrum of municipalities and regional councils.

The controversy follows the Knesset's recent approval of several contentious laws perceived as facilitating draft evasion by ultra-Orthodox men. After months of negotiations and political crises involving ultra-Orthodox parties, the Knesset passed in a first reading a bill freezing the detention of draft dodgers by 58 to 54 votes. Subsequently, the Basic Law: Torah Study was approved in second and third readings by 63 to 52 votes. Notably, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote, while former Likud members Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz voted against the law as expected.