IDF Chief Condemns Law Exempting Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers from Arrest Amid Political Tensions

Tensions between Israel's political and military leadership escalated sharply on Tuesday following the Knesset's approval of a law exempting ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers from arrest. The legislation passed narrowly with 58 votes in favor and 54 against, as part of a political deal with ultra-Orthodox parties, shortly after the Basic Law on Torah Study was also approved. Senior IDF officials criticized the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Boaz Bismuth (Likud), accusing him of ignoring the military's professional objections and needs during the legislative process. Bismuth responded by questioning the timing of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi's recent letter opposing the law, noting the military had the draft text for weeks and participated in all committee discussions. He also argued that arrests of yeshiva students rarely lead to actual enlistment and that ineffective arrests waste military resources.

The day before the vote, Kochavi sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Bismuth, strongly opposing the law. He warned the exemption from arrest, investigation, or enforcement for yeshiva students would undermine manpower efforts during an ongoing multi-front conflict and incentivize draft evasion by granting immunity from criminal proceedings. Kochavi also opposed the law's provision to establish a military committee to determine yeshiva student status, citing damage to military legitimacy and trust amid efforts to maximize recruitment and extend service. He stressed the added organizational burden would divert critical command attention from operational missions.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders praised the law as a victory protecting Torah study and ending what they called persecution of yeshiva students. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri called it a correction of a historic injustice against the Levitical tribe. Conversely, opposition figures including Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu) and Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the law's implementation. They condemned it as unprecedented legislation granting de facto immunity to draft evaders, undermining equality, rule of law, and judicial independence during a time of exceptional military burden. Lieberman labeled the law disgraceful and divisive, accusing the coalition of prioritizing political interests over national security and social cohesion.

The controversy highlights deep divisions over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men amid Israel's ongoing security challenges. The Supreme Court is now expected to rule on the petition, while the IDF continues to grapple with manpower shortages exacerbated by the new legislation.