Haredi Lawyer Argues Torah Prohibits Military Service in Supreme Court Hearing

During a Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday regarding petitions against the law freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders, attorney Natan Rozenblat spoke briefly representing the individual Haredi perspective. He clarified he did not represent the entire Haredi community but the isolated Haredi individual facing a difficult dilemma. Rozenblat, a father of draft-age children, stated that although there is a war and a need for soldiers, Torah law forbids Haredim from enlisting unless the system is properly arranged and there is rabbinic authorization. He argued that no leading rabbis permit enlistment and that the attempts to pass legislation on this issue have failed partly due to political interests of some petitioners and the Supreme Court's historical rulings against the Haredi public.

The court exchange became tense when Justice David Mintz expressed disbelief at the claim of a Torah prohibition on enlistment, calling it a disputed matter and criticizing Rozenblat for speaking in sectarian terms. Rozenblat responded by invoking the authority of major rabbis, which Mintz interrupted, saying "not all great rabbis." Justice Noam Solberg noted that from January 16 to June 16, only 165 draft evaders were arrested, fewer than 10% from the Haredi sector. Rozenblat concluded by urging the court to demonstrate it is not anti-Haredi.

This hearing highlights the ongoing legal and societal tensions surrounding the conscription of Haredi men in Israel, with the Supreme Court playing a pivotal role in adjudicating these sensitive issues. The court's decision on the petitions could impact enforcement of the draft law and the treatment of Haredi draft evaders going forward.