Netanyahu Defends Freeze on Yeshiva Students' Arrests Amidst Supreme Court Suspension

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly defended the controversial law freezing arrests of yeshiva students, which was temporarily suspended by the Supreme Court pending further legal review. In private phone conversations with government ministers, Netanyahu expressed anger at critics of the law, calling their opposition "false propaganda" and insisting the legislation causes no harm. He emphasized the government's desire to increase military enlistment and reduce arrests, noting that threats of detention discourage yeshiva students from enlisting. Netanyahu cited feedback from Hesder yeshiva leaders who confirmed that arrests halt enlistment and sow division.

The Prime Minister also criticized the wave of arrests of Torah learners, comparing it to actions taken in Russia, which he condemned. He underscored the importance of Torah study as a foundational Jewish heritage that has sustained the Jewish people for centuries. Netanyahu further addressed the Basic Law on Torah Study, asserting it merely recognizes Torah study as a core value of Israeli heritage and contains no additional provisions. His remarks came amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the law and its implications for the ultra-Orthodox community.

The law's suspension by the Supreme Court followed petitions challenging its legality, reflecting deep divisions in Israeli society over military conscription exemptions for yeshiva students. Netanyahu's comments reveal his commitment to preserving the law despite judicial pushback and political opposition, particularly from secular and left-wing groups. The debate continues as the government seeks to balance religious traditions with national service requirements.