Israeli Supreme Court Reviews Civil Service Law for Haredim as Expiration Nears

The legal process concerning the civil service law for Haredi Jews continues in the Israeli Supreme Court, even though the law is set to expire in three weeks. This law, extended until August 31, 2026, allows Haredi yeshiva students and educational institutions to direct recruits to national civilian service as an alternative to military service, with the IDF's consent. However, the law's expiration date excludes it from the automatic extension mechanism that applies during election periods, which only covers laws expiring after September 10, 2026. Consequently, once the law expires, new Haredi recruits cannot be assigned to civilian service under the current arrangement, though those already enlisted will continue their service.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is still deliberating on a petition seeking to annul the law. The state prosecution has requested an extension to submit its response until September 15, over two weeks after the law's expiration. This development is central to a response submitted by Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strook, who emphasizes that the law's expiration will effectively end the current arrangement. Strook urges the court to consider the substantial controversy surrounding the law and the potential damages its expiration could cause. She clarifies that her position differs from the government's legal counsel and aligns with the Knesset's stance, which opposes the prosecution's position.

Strook highlights that the Knesset's response to the petition thoroughly details the law's legislative history, amendments, and constitutional justifications for its continuation. It also outlines the harms that could result from the law's automatic expiration or judicial annulment, aspects she claims were insufficiently represented by the state prosecution. She regrets that these points were only included as an annex to the state's position after the court's permission. Strook concludes by noting the broad political consensus on the necessity of civilian service and hopes that the next Knesset will advance legislation to prevent the negative consequences expected from the law's expiration or cancellation, referencing a recently revealed plan by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot to expand civilian service.