Netanyahu Defends Torah Study Law Amid Criticism, Rejects Arrest Freeze Opposition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly defended the recently passed law freezing arrests of yeshiva students, amid public and legal controversy. The law, which was immediately suspended by the Supreme Court pending further rulings, prohibits arrest and enforcement actions against yeshiva students meeting specific conditions. It is a key element of the coalition agreements with ultra-Orthodox parties.

In phone conversations with ministers, Netanyahu dismissed criticism of the law as "false propaganda," emphasizing that it aims to encourage military enlistment rather than provoke conflict with yeshiva students. He argued that arrests reduce enlistment rates, citing feedback from Hesder yeshiva leaders who say threats of arrest halt recruitment and sow division. Netanyahu stressed that those not engaged in Torah study should face full legal enforcement.

Addressing claims that the law grants broad immunity to Torah students, Netanyahu compared the situation to past Soviet-era repression of religious study, which Israelis condemned. He framed Torah study as a foundational Jewish heritage that has sustained the people for centuries. Netanyahu also defended the Basic Law on Torah Study, which recognizes Torah study as a core value of Israel’s heritage, calling criticism of it unfounded and overstated.

The dispute over these laws reflects broader tensions between the government, the ultra-Orthodox community, and Israeli society regarding military service obligations and religious tradition. The Supreme Court’s pending decisions will determine the future enforcement of these controversial measures.