New Body Formed to Protect Haredi Youth at Risk of Military Draft Under Netanyahu

In response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent threat to draft or imprison Haredi Jews who do not study Torah, a dedicated organization has been established within the Haredi community. This new department aims to protect thousands of young Haredi men who are officially registered in yeshivas but have ceased their religious studies. The move comes as a direct countermeasure to Netanyahu's warning, which targets those avoiding military service by claiming full-time Torah study exemptions. The organization seeks to provide legal and social support to these youths, often referred to as "dropouts," to shield them from conscription or incarceration. This development highlights the growing tension between the Israeli government’s efforts to enforce the military draft law and the Haredi community's resistance to such measures. The situation remains fluid as the government considers stricter enforcement, and the Haredi community prepares to defend its members.