Sanaa: Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday froze the implementation of a newly passed law that bars the arrest of ultra-Orthodox Jews who evade mandatory military service, one day after the legislation was approved by the Knesset. The temporary order means the law will not take effect until the court issues a further ruling.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the Knesset approved the bill on Tuesday in its second and third readings by a vote of 58-54, despite the absence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the vote. The Supreme Court indicated the legislation conflicts with previous rulings on equality in military service and with the views of professional legal authorities, who argue the measure would promote draft evasion.
Justice Ofer Grosskopf, who issued the interim order, instructed the government to explain why the law should not be struck down, considering previous Supreme Court rulings and petitions challenging its constitutionality. Several petitions were filed immediately after the bill's approval, arguing that the legislation is discriminatory because it prohibits the arrest of Haredi students who fail to comply with draft orders while allowing the continued arrest of non-Haredi draft evaders.
The law is part of a broader legislative effort by Netanyahu's coalition to secure sweeping military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, granting tens of thousands of Haredi draft evaders immunity from arrest until the end of January 2027. It also extends protection to those who become eligible for military service after the law takes effect and suspends ongoing criminal proceedings against individuals already subject to enforcement measures.
The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, accusing Netanyahu of advancing it to maintain the support of ultra-Orthodox parties ahead of Israel's upcoming general election. On Monday, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the bill as "unreasonable," saying it contradicts the military's operational needs and effectively grants mass exemptions from prosecution.
According to The Times of Israel, approximately 72,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 24 are currently eligible for military service but have not enlisted. The Israeli army has repeatedly stated it urgently needs about 12,000 additional recruits amid ongoing fighting on multiple fronts. The bill has also faced strong opposition from reservists, legal advisers in the Knesset, and a large segment of the Israeli public.