Netanyahu Vows No Temporary Arrest Law, Demands Draft or Jail for Non-Torah Students

In a closed-door discussion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the failure of the temporary arrest law aimed at increasing enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox community. He explained that the law's goal was to reduce tensions and boost draft numbers but admitted it did not succeed and will not be pursued by the next government. Netanyahu promised swift legislation after the upcoming elections, stating that a broad national government would pass a comprehensive draft law addressing the Israel Defense Forces' operational needs.

Netanyahu issued a firm ultimatum regarding the ultra-Orthodox draft issue: those who do not study Torah must either enlist or face imprisonment. This statement clearly distinguishes between Torah students and others in the ultra-Orthodox community, signaling that refusal to serve will result in criminal sanctions.

The temporary arrest law had been suspended by the Israeli Supreme Court, which issued a permanent injunction after carefully considering the arguments, with a final ruling expected soon likely to invalidate the law. The court's decision currently prevents the law's enforcement, which was designed to stop the detention of yeshiva students.

In response, Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, sharply criticized Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc for their handling of the draft crisis and the court rulings. He expressed regret over the ultra-Orthodox parties' approach and condemned the arrests of Torah students, describing the situation as a severe blow to the community. Goldknopf demanded full legal recognition for Torah students without quotas or penalties and declared the right-wing bloc fractured from his perspective due to broken promises and abandonment of the ultra-Orthodox public.

These developments highlight a significant divide between the political leadership and the ultra-Orthodox community, with the draft issue remaining a major challenge for the next Israeli government.