Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a closed discussion Sunday that the temporary arrest law for Haredi draft evaders has not succeeded, according to a report. Netanyahu stated that after the elections, a broad national government will be formed to immediately pass a full draft law. He added that those who do not study Torah will enlist or face prison.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a closed discussion today (Sunday, Aug 2, 2026) that the temporary arrest law for Haredi draft evaders has not succeeded in practice, according to initial reports by Amit Segal (N12) and ynet at 13:10 Jerusalem. Netanyahu stated that those who do not study Torah will either enlist or face imprisonment. The Zioneer confirmed the remarks at 13:17 Jerusalem.
Netanyahu ruled out reviving the measure in the next government. Instead, he pledged to form a broad national unity government after the upcoming elections that will immediately pass a comprehensive draft law meeting the IDF's needs. He reiterated that Haredi men who do not study Torah will be drafted or face prison.
The temporary arrest law, which granted immunity from arrest to yeshiva students avoiding conscription, was enacted as a stopgap measure. Netanyahu's admission of its failure marks a shift from his earlier suggestion in June of a temporary pause in enforcement to reach broad agreements, as The Zioneer reported on June 27. The statement underscores the ongoing political struggle over Haredi enlistment, a key issue ahead of the elections.
6 developments
- DevelopingMK Illouz: Netanyahu not credible on Haredi enlistment, will 'capitulate'
- StrongBennett: Netanyahu's Haredi draft push is a 'pathetic spin'
- DevelopingYoaz Hendel: Netanyahu won't deliver on Haredi conscription after elections either
- DevelopingGoldknopf claims IDF has 2 million soldiers, questions need for Haredi conscription
Source and signal
- Open-source intake