The Knesset approved the final reading of the bill freezing arrests of Haredi yeshiva students who evade military service, the Knesset said. The five-month freeze, described by the coalition as a necessary step toward a permanent conscription arrangement, passed despite opposition from three coalition MKs: Dan Illouz, Yuli Edelstein, and Sharren Haskel. Prime Minister Netanyahu did not attend the vote.
The Knesset on Tuesday evening approved the final reading of the bill freezing arrests of Haredi yeshiva students who evade military service, with three coalition MKs — Dan Illouz (Likud), Yuli Edelstein (Likud), and Sharren Haskel (National Unity) — voting against the measure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the vote. The bill passed 58-54, according to final tallies, after earlier reports had indicated a larger opposition within the coalition, with some initial counts suggesting five coalition MKs opposed the bill.
As The Zioneer reported at 17:46 Jerusalem, the Knesset voted in favor of the bill, which freezes enforcement for five months until November 30, 2026. The bill includes oversight provisions requiring yeshiva students to study at least 45 hours per week (40 for kollel students) and allows removal of yeshivas with absenteeism above 20%. Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman filed a High Court petition against the law immediately after the vote, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the vote 'a shameful and anti-Zionist moment.' Haredi MKs disclosed a personal interest in the legislation, acknowledging it affects their relatives.
The legislation has been a key component of the coalition agreement with Haredi parties, alongside the Basic Law: Torah Study. As The Zioneer reported on June 16, coalition leaders agreed to pass both laws before the Knesset disperses. The Prime Minister's Office had earlier guaranteed a coalition majority for the bill, initiated by MK Aryeh Deri. The IDF Chief of Staff warned the move would create a 'deep rift' with serving soldiers, and Defense Minister Israel Katz nevertheless voted in favor. The bill had been advanced through preliminary readings in recent days amid opposition from bereaved families and IDF veterans.
A permanent conscription arrangement remains under discussion, with the freeze set to expire on November 30, 2026, unless extended. The High Court petition filed by opposition leaders against the law will be heard in the coming days, and the legal status of the freeze remains subject to judicial review.
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- Internal intake