Israeli Government Proposes 90‑Day Freeze on Arrests of Haredi Draft Evaders

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, has asked the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee to consider a temporary suspension of arrests of Haredi yeshiva students who evade military service. The proposal would halt arrests, investigations and prosecutions for 90 days, applying only to those verified as Torah students, while leaving non‑students subject to the law and existing financial sanctions.

Cabinet secretary Yossi Fuchs warned that continued arrests risk deepening the rift with the Haredi community and could lead to “civil war.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed concerns that arrests push the community away from enlistment. The measure is being fast‑tracked amid a coalition crisis and a critical shortage of army personnel. Opposition parties have criticised the plan as rewarding exemption from civic duties, while supporters argue it could ease political tensions and improve recruitment efforts.