High Court poised to strike down law banning Haredi draft-dodger arrest after hearing

Israel's High Court of Justice appears poised to overturn a recently enacted law that shields Haredi men from arrest for draft evasion.

During a swift hearing, justices showed little inclination to challenge arguments that the law is discriminatory and improperly passed. Representatives for the Knesset's legal adviser and the attorney general both advocated for the law's annulment. The Knesset's legal adviser cited severe procedural violations, while the attorney general's representative argued the law creates unconstitutional discrimination within the criminal justice system.

The court's conservative wing, represented by Justice David Mintz, expressed astonishment at claims made by an ultra-Orthodox organization representative, who asserted that "the Torah prohibits" enlistment under current conditions. Mintz, himself Orthodox, questioned the assertion, highlighting a perceived contradiction.

The government boycotted the hearing and was not represented. The law, passed earlier this month, effectively paused arrests for Haredi draft dodgers for a seven-month period. The High Court had previously issued a temporary order freezing its implementation due to concerns about its discriminatory nature, as draft dodgers from the general public remain subject to arrest.

The IDF has stressed an urgent need for 12,000 recruits amidst a multi-front conflict, while approximately 72,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 are currently eligible for service but have not enlisted. The court's potential strike-down of the law could significantly impact military recruitment efforts and the ongoing debate surrounding Haredi conscription.

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I cannot believe what I’m hearing.