Israeli Coalition Proposes Law to Freeze Arrests of Draft-Dodging Yeshiva Students Amid Legal Concerns

The legal advisor to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued a warning regarding a proposed law aimed at freezing the arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students. The advisory, released on July 12, 2026, cautions that if passed, the law would effectively grant immunity from criminal sanctions to these students for failing to fulfill their military service obligations, while such penalties would still apply to the general public.

According to the bill's text, once approved, arrest procedures against draft-dodging yeshiva students would be suspended for up to 90 days. The law would halt criminal proceedings and arrests based on a declaration that the students are engaged in full-time religious study, defined as 40 to 45 hours per week.

This legislative move comes amid ongoing protests by the ultra-Orthodox community against military conscription. The legal opinion highlights concerns about unequal treatment under the law, as it would create a legal exemption for a specific group, potentially undermining the uniform application of military service laws in Israel.

The full legal opinion is available for review, emphasizing the potential ramifications of the bill if enacted. The proposal remains under consideration by the coalition, with debates expected to continue regarding its implications for Israeli society and the military draft system.