Deri says Shas supports draft evaders during prison visit, calls to add Torah study to Basic Law

Leaders from Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, visited arrested haredi men evading military conscription in military prison. The politicians expressed solidarity with the detainees, advocating for their release and promising legislative action to solidify exemptions for yeshiva students.

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The entire Shas movement stands behind them, supports them, and is working with all its strength to secure their swift release and the regulation of their status.

Shas Party leader Arye Deri, accompanied by other party lawmakers, met with draft evaders at Neve Tzedek Military Prison. During the visit, Deri vowed to push for legislation that would enshrine Torah study as a Basic Law. He also criticized the Attorney-General, accusing her of obstructing efforts to aid draft evaders. Shas stated its movement "stands behind them, supports them, and is working with all its strength to secure their swift release and the regulation of their status."

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It was difficult for him to see the condition of the draft evaders.

United Torah Judaism leader MK Yitzhak Goldknopf also visited the prison, expressing distress over the detainees' conditions. The haredi parties have consistently pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition to avoid increasing haredi enlistment. This push for legislation comes as the IDF faces a critical manpower shortage, with the IDF Chief of Staff warning of potential collapse if the issue is not resolved. The proposed legislation to incorporate Torah study into Basic Law is slated for a government vote, with haredi parties pushing for its rapid advancement.

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She was sabotaging legislation aiding draft evaders.