High Court freezes Knesset law stopping arrests of haredi military draft evaders

Israel's High Court of Justice has placed a temporary freeze on a controversial law passed by the Knesset that would halt arrests and enforcement proceedings against Haredi yeshiva students who evade military service. The court's provisional order suspends the law's effect until further notice, pending a full review.

Justice Ofer Grosskopf issued the order, also demanding that the Knesset and government provide justifications for the law's validity. He cited long-standing court rulings on yeshiva student enlistment, the implications of exempting specific population segments from enforcement, and significant arguments presented by petitioners challenging the law.

The temporary suspension does not strike down the legislation but prevents it from taking effect. The Knesset had passed the bill by a narrow margin, with the temporary provision set to last until November 30. The law would grant immunity from criminal sanctions for failing to report for service, a move that Knesset legal advisers had warned would create inequality.

The ruling came in response to four petitions filed by various groups, including opposition lawmakers and the Movement for Quality Government in Israel. The court has ordered an expanded panel to hear the petitions as soon as possible, requiring respondents to submit their replies well in advance of the yet-to-be-scheduled hearing.