Netanyahu backs emergency move to block arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers

A new initiative backed by Lithuanian Haredi leader Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Belz Hasidic leader Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach would, through a temporary order, stop the arrest of draft evaders who already have detention warrants against them. The plan, discussed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, would fast-track legislation to freeze arrests of anyone who has ignored military summonses for more than 500 days and could otherwise be detained during a police encounter or an active search.

According to people familiar with the details, Netanyahu supports the idea as a way to address a central flashpoint in the Haredi struggle over enlistment. The proposal comes as road blockages and large protests over the arrest of draft dodgers have become routine, while the Haredi parties are trying to salvage as much as they can without a formal exemption law. It is still unclear how long any temporary order would last, especially since the Knesset is expected to dissolve by the end of July at the latest.

The report says the Haredi parties are using last-minute legislation while Netanyahu is willing to grant them significant concessions in exchange for delay, avoiding early elections and postponing Knesset dissolution to a date more convenient for him. Last week, the Knesset gave preliminary approval to the so-called Basic Law: Torah Study, which would elevate Torah study to a basic value and serve as a counterweight to Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, after a previous draft exemption law was struck down for violating equality. The bill passed 56 to 43.

The coalition’s legislative push has hit resistance. Lawmakers told the Haredim that, because of public criticism, a bill to subsidize daycare for draft dodgers will not come to a first reading vote in the plenum. Haredi leaders reacted angrily and warned that if it does not advance, they will not support any bill. In Agudat Yisrael, party members mocked their allies and said Netanyahu was “making a fool of Degel HaTorah.” The daycare bill passed a preliminary vote about three weeks ago and was meant to bypass the freezing of daycare subsidies for yeshiva students, a major financial blow for young Haredi families. Opponents in both the coalition and the opposition said it was effectively another draft-exemption law because it would restore benefits to those not serving in the IDF. Uri Keidar, CEO of Israel Hofsheet, called it “a desperate attempt by the government of dodgers” and said, “It is time for equality.”