Defense Minister Israel Katz joined the government secretary on Sunday morning in urging a freeze on arrests of yeshiva students amid the conscription crisis, saying an urgent discussion must be scheduled. The move adds top security establishment weight to the political push to halt enforcement against Haredi draft evaders.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday morning joined the call by Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs to freeze the arrest of yeshiva students, according to a statement reported by Amit Segal (N12). Katz said, 'We must schedule an urgent discussion,' signaling alignment with the push from within the coalition to pause enforcement of the draft law against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. The development comes after a series of arrests in recent weeks deepened tensions between the Haredi political leadership and the government. As The Zioneer has reported, Fuchs had previously warned on Saturday evening that the arrests could lead to a civil war, and argued that the enforcement push distances potential recruits from the IDF. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also advanced an initiative to freeze arrests, but the move has been under legal review. Katz's statement represents the first time the defense establishment has publicly backed the freeze, adding significant weight to the political effort. The matter remains contentious, with critics arguing it undermines equal service obligations and military manpower needs.
2 developments
- StrongKnesset panel begins debate on arrest-immunity law for yeshiva students
- DevelopingKnesset panel proceeds with arrest-immunity debate for Haredi non-enlistees; opposition furious Sukkot chairs session
- StrongOpposition MKs ask Knesset panel to delay vote on arrest-freeze for yeshiva draft evaders; chair rejects
- DevelopingIsrael's Defense Minister Katz orders new 'Chabad Arrangement' framework for Haredi conscription
Source and signal
- Open-source intake