The Knesset's legal adviser has instructed all MKs to submit a sworn declaration before the plenum vote on a bill exempting yeshiva students from arrest, stating whether any relative of theirs would benefit from the exemption. The move is a procedural check to expose potential conflicts of interest as the coalition-backed bill advances.
Just after 13:56 Jerusalem on Tuesday, The Zioneer reported that the Knesset legal adviser had escalated procedural oversight of the coalition's yeshiva exemption bill, demanding that each MK submit a sworn affidavit before the plenum vote identifying whether any close relative qualifies as a draft evader who would benefit from the proposed immunity from arrest. The directive, initially reported by political correspondent Kalman as applying to Haredi lawmakers, was clarified within minutes to apply to all 120 MKs, with the requirement for a sworn declaration rather than a simple disclosure.
The move follows a warning from the Knesset legal adviser on Wednesday, July 1, that the proposed legislation granting yeshiva students immunity from arrest was legally flawed and likely to be struck down by the High Court, as The Zioneer reported at the time. The evolution of the disclosure requirement — from a targeted request to Haredi MKs to a formal obligation for all lawmakers — reflects growing institutional concern over conflicts of interest as the bill advances.
The bill, which would grant administrative immunity from arrest for yeshiva students who have not reported for military service, has drawn opposition from the Attorney General and the IDF. The sworn declaration requirement does not block the plenum vote but creates a public record of potential conflicts ahead of the final roll call.
It remains unclear whether the legal adviser's directive will affect the vote's outcome, and the bill is expected to face a High Court challenge if passed. The Knesset legal adviser's office has not commented on potential penalties for false declarations.
5 developments
- DevelopingOpposition MKs demand probe of Haredi lawmakers' conflict of interest on draft-evasion bill
- DevelopingSenior Israeli police officers urge halting proactive arrests of Haredi draft evaders
- StrongKnesset committee legal advisor opposes deserters bill, says it bypasses conscription law
- DevelopingKnesset legal adviser opposes coalition plan to pardon draft dodgers and annul conscription law
Source and signal
- Internal intake