The disclosure declarations made by Haredi MKs on Tuesday show that each lawmaker has children or grandchildren who have already been classified as draft evaders, according to a report by Michael Shemesh. The report notes that the proposed arrest exemption law could apply to these family members and prevent their arrest.
At 17:06 Jerusalem, Michael Shemesh reported that the disclosure declarations submitted by Haredi MKs to the Knesset Legal Adviser show each lawmaker has children or grandchildren already classified as draft evaders (arika), and that the proposed bill to freeze arrests of Haredi draft evaders could apply to these family members. This new detail builds on the declarations made public at 17:01, when the MKs submitted their conflict-of-interest disclosures and the Knesset erupted in uproar.
As The Zioneer reported at 17:01, the Haredi MKs submitted a 'detailed' response to the Knesset Legal Adviser's demand for disclosure, and the Knesset descended into shouting as the content emerged. The thread shows that the initial disclosures stated the MKs' children and grandchildren over 18 are Torah scholars serving as the 'Tribe of Levi' and would be affected by the bill; the 17:06 report now specifies they are classified as draft evaders. The controversy has been building for weeks: on July 8, opposition lawmakers demanded a probe of a conflict of interest, and on June 25, details emerged of a coalition deal to deepen immunity for draft evaders. Earlier, on June 17, Shas leader Aryeh Deri was reported to have three grandchildren classified as defectors from IDF service.
The bill has drawn opposition from the IDF Chief of Staff and legal advisers who questioned its feasibility, as The Zioneer reported on July 13 and June 24. The army representative told the Knesset on June 30 that arrests are a necessary part of enforcing Haredi conscription. The coalition deal to deepen immunity was reported on June 25. The Haredi MKs' personal stake in the legislation has been a central argument for opponents.
It remains unclear whether the bill will pass, given opposition from the military and legal authorities, and the ongoing demand for a probe into the lawmakers' conflict of interest. The exact number of family members affected beyond the Deri disclosure has not been reported.
7 developments
- StrongHaredi MKs submit disclosure of children, grandchildren affected by draft exemption, express pride
- DevelopingOpposition MKs demand probe of Haredi lawmakers' conflict of interest on draft-evasion bill
- DevelopingIn practice: Haredi yeshiva-student draft evaders will not be arrested in coming months, others will — report
- DevelopingKnesset committee holds debate on pardon for Haredi draft dodgers
Source and signal
- Internal intake