Israel’s parliament approves laws to enshrine exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from military service
The coalition used a Basic Law to shield draft evaders and delay service cuts, drawing criticism from military leaders and reservists' families.
- On Monday and Tuesday, the Knesset advanced legislation freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders and enshrining Torah study as a 'foundational value' in the Basic Law.
- The IDF has faced severe manpower shortages since the Hamas-led October 7 attack, with only dozens of roughly 90,000 issued draft orders resulting in Haredi enlistment.
- IDF Chief Eyal Zamir criticized the bill as 'clearly and unequivocally inconsistent' with military needs, warning that involving the army in granting exemptions would erode soldier trust.
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the law as 'an utter desecration of God's name,' while the Reservists' Wives Forum warned families will 'continue carrying the burden alone.'
- With elections scheduled for October 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advanced the legislation to secure Haredi support, with the arrangement likely to remain in force for at least six months.
32 Articles
32 Articles
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel's parliament passed laws that, in practice, prevent the enlistment of ultra-orthodox men in the country's army, in a final attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition to...
Israel shields ultra-Orthodox draft evaders before key autumn election
Israel's parliament passed two laws pausing action against ultra-Orthodox draft evaders and elevating religious study. The move deepens a military service divide as Benjamin Netanyahu shored up coalition support before elections.
Associated Press News
Israel's parliament approves laws to enshrine exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from military service
Israel’s parliament has passed two laws that will effectively allow the continued exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from serving in the military.
Knesset pushes total freeze on arrests of Haredi draft dodgers despite IDF chief’s wa
The coalition bill would suspend enforcement against ultra-Orthodox men who fail to report for military service, even as the army warns of a severe troop shortage and thousands of reservists carry a growing wartime burden
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