Knesset panel to advance 90-day freeze on Haredi draft evader arrests

A temporary legislative measure to halt the arrests of Haredi draft evaders for 90 days will be advanced by the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth announced the move in a letter to the defense minister and cabinet secretary, framing it as a necessary step to resolve a coalition crisis with less than four months until elections.

The decision comes amidst escalating tensions, including mass Haredi demonstrations that have disrupted traffic and targeted law enforcement. Haredi parties have previously boycotted coalition legislation, protesting the government's failure to enact blanket exemptions from military service for yeshiva students. The current government is now pursuing two key Haredi priorities: a basic law elevating Torah study to a status comparable with military service, and the proposed freeze on arrests.

Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously called for a moratorium on arrests, prompting Bismuth's urgent hearing. Bismuth cited concerns that continuing arrests could negatively impact conscription efforts and alienate young Haredim from military service. The proposed temporary order would specifically suspend arrests, investigations, and enforcement actions against full-time yeshiva students. To qualify, students must study at least 45 hours weekly at institutions recognized by the defense minister and approved by the committee. Institutions risk losing recognition if more than 20 percent of their students are found to be absent.

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Continuing the policy of arrests is likely to harm conscription efforts and to shrink the scope of those who enlist in practice. In actuality, the arrests achieve the opposite of what is intended, and push young Haredim away from a path of service.