Shas Rabbis Condemn Supreme Court Over Yeshiva Students' Military Detention Freeze

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on petitions challenging the law freezing detention of yeshiva students who refuse military service, the Council of Torah Sages of the Shas party issued a sharp letter to the court. The letter rejects the Supreme Court's authority to adjudicate the matter and strongly opposes the conscription of yeshiva students, declaring it forbidden by Jewish law. The rabbis argue that Torah study is a vital defense for the Jewish people and that harming yeshiva students threatens Israel's national security.

The letter was prompted by the July enactment of a temporary law by the Knesset that suspends enforcement actions against yeshiva students avoiding military service. This law is now under judicial review following petitions seeking its annulment. The Shas rabbis emphasize that their letter does not acknowledge the court's jurisdiction but aims to present the "Torah perspective" against what they describe as a judicial campaign persecuting Torah learners and undermining their status.

Citing Talmudic sources and Maimonides' rulings, the rabbis assert that conscripting Torah scholars is halachically prohibited, even during a war commanded by Jewish law. They also address the "equal burden" argument by highlighting a spiritual burden borne by Torah study, which they claim ensures the survival and security of the Jewish people. The letter concludes by stating that harming yeshiva students and disrupting their studies directly harms Israel's national security.