Israel pauses action against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers

Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has approved a proposal to temporarily halt all enforcement actions against ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who refuse military service. The measure, passed by a vote of 58 to 54, will pause enlistments, investigations, and arrests of these individuals for three months, until November 30.

Due to legislative procedures related to the start of a new parliamentary term, the pause will effectively extend to six months. This decision comes at a sensitive time for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is navigating a tight majority in the Knesset. Ultra-Orthodox Jews have historically been exempt from Israel's mandatory military service, but this exemption expired at the end of 2024.

The military's general staff chief, Eyal Zamir, has voiced strong opposition to the law. He warned that it would exacerbate inequality within the military and undermine the trust of soldiers who are currently serving. The move also follows significant protests and the withdrawal of two ultra-Orthodox parties from the governing coalition after thousands of men were summoned for service amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israel is scheduled to hold general elections on October 27. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between religious exemptions and the military's need for personnel, particularly during wartime. The opposition has also heavily criticized the legislation, emphasizing the perceived unfairness to those fulfilling their service obligations.

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The law will increase inequality and damage trust among the conscripts who actually serve in the military.