Knesset member Tali Gottlieb launched a sharp attack Wednesday against the arrest of chareidim connected to Israel’s military draft dispute, accusing authorities of discriminatory enforcement and offering chareidi draft candidates a legal strategy she claims could help them avoid future arrests.

In a strongly worded public statement, Gottlieb criticized what she described as unequal treatment between chareidi draft resisters and other Israelis who avoid military service for ideological reasons.

“I am horrified by the arrest of chareidim while there are zero arrests of pacifist draft dodgers from Tel Aviv and similar places,” Gottlieb wrote.

She continued, “The hatred toward chareidim and turning them into a societal disease disgusts me.”

Gottlieb also mocked what she said is the double standard applied to different forms of refusal to serve in the military.

“Well, apparently ideological draft evasion is wonderful, but avoiding the draft because of Torah study? That’s unacceptable. (And yes, I’m being sarcastic of course).”

The lawmaker called for an immediate halt to the arrests and compared the current atmosphere to dark periods in history.

“Enough!! Stop immediately the persecution of chareidim. It reminds me of very dark and frightening times.”

Alongside her criticism, Gottlieb also proposed what she described as a practical legal step for chareidi draft candidates seeking to avoid detention.

“And to the chareidim I suggest that every draft candidate immediately submit a personal request for a deferment of service. Filing the request itself will prevent arrest.”

According to Gottlieb, the move is intended to shift the battle into the legal arena rather than allowing authorities to carry out arrests.

“Defeat Miara’s persecution of you on her own playing field.”

{Matzav.com}