Israeli Supreme Court Reviews Controversial Haredi Draft Evasion Detention Law Without Government Defense

The Israeli Supreme Court convened a nine-justice panel led by Deputy President Noam Solberg on July 28, 2026, to review the recently approved law concerning the detention of Haredi draft evaders. The law, which has been temporarily frozen by Justice Ofer Groskopf following petitions citing inequality, suspends detentions of Haredi draft evaders until November 30, effectively extending the freeze by three months due to the 26th Knesset elections.

At the hearing's start, Justice Solberg allocated 10 to 15 minutes per speaker for arguments. Notably, the government chose not to send a defense representative, signaling a potentially brief session. Attorney Yitzhak Bert from the Knesset Legal Department argued that the law failed to comply with Knesset regulations and did not meet the required legislative standards. He emphasized that the original bill aimed to integrate yeshiva students into the IDF and civilian employment while reducing inequality. However, by the second and third readings, the law had shifted focus entirely to freezing enforcement procedures.

This legal review comes amid ongoing debates over the fairness and legislative process of laws affecting Haredi conscription and enforcement. The Supreme Court's decision will impact the future handling of draft evasion among the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel.