Israeli Attorney General Opposes Law Freezing Arrests of Draft-Dodging Haredim

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has called for the annulment of a recently passed law that freezes the arrest of draft-dodging Haredi yeshiva students. Ahead of a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for next week on petitions challenging the law, Baharav-Miara described the legislation as "flawed and harmful" and urged its cancellation. The attorney general's response highlights multiple legal and procedural defects in the law's enactment.

Security officials cited in the document argue that expanding the ranks of the Israeli military and enforcing conscription more rigorously is an urgent security and existential necessity. They warn that the severe shortage of regular army personnel places an unbearable burden on active soldiers and tens of thousands of reservists. The document also claims the law imposes a heavy economic burden on the state, damaging the national economy.

The law, which passed its second and third readings in the Knesset earlier this month with 58 votes in favor and 54 against, was intended to freeze the arrests of Haredi yeshiva students until November 30, after the upcoming elections. However, following petitions to the Supreme Court, a conditional freeze order was issued pending further judicial decisions.

In related developments, mass protests erupted in the Haredi community outside the Attorney General's residence, opposing the law and a new discount club initiative for draft-dodgers. The Gur Hasidic Rebbe also issued a warning amid the demonstrations.