Israeli Local Leaders Including Likud Members Oppose Draft Evasion Laws Without Threatening Party Exit

On Wednesday, 71 Israeli mayors and local council heads issued a joint statement opposing recent legislation enabling draft evasion, including the Basic Law on Torah Study and a freeze on arrests of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox individuals. Among the signatories were several Likud-affiliated leaders, notably Haim Bibas, mayor of Modiin and chairman of the Local Government Center, who emphasized that while Torah study is a vital Jewish value, it should not overshadow the importance of national defense. The statement highlighted the burden borne by those serving in the military and security forces and criticized the laws as damaging to national resilience and social cohesion, especially given Israel's current security challenges. Earlier on the same day, Israel's Supreme Court issued an injunction preventing the freeze on arrests from taking effect while petitions against it are reviewed. The signatories, representing a broad spectrum of local authorities across Israel, clarified that their protest does not indicate any intention to leave the Likud party. They called for a balanced approach that respects both religious study and the imperative of defending the country. The full list of signatories includes mayors and council heads from various regions, reflecting widespread concern over the legislation's impact on Israeli society and security.