The Israeli Knesset (parliament) on Tuesday passed a law temporarily banning the arrest and prosecution of ultra-Orthodox Jews evading military service. Lawmakers passed a bill exempting Haredi draft dodgers in the second and third readings by 58-54 votes, the daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from Tuesday’s vote on the controversial bill, championed by the ultra-Orthodox parties. The law grants tens of thousands of Haredi draft evaders immunity from arrest until Nov. 30, and extends that protection to those who become eligible for military service after it takes effect. It also suspends ongoing criminal proceedings against those already facing enforcement measures. There are roughly 72,000 Haredi men who were liable to arrest until today, according to […]
This article was sourced from Middle East Monitor.
Read Full Article on Middle East Monitor →![Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi) protest against the failure to pass a legal arrangement exempting yeshiva students from mandatory military service and the issuance of draft notices to members of their community in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 28, 2026. [Gideon Markowicz - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AA-20260428-41236064-41236044-ULTRAORTHODOX_JEWS_RALLY_AGAINST_MILITARY_CONSCRIPTION_IN_TEL_AVIV-1.jpg)
