As the arrests of yeshiva bochurim continue to fuel political tensions in Israel, Shas MK Yoav Ben Tzur says he is proud to visit detained bnei Torah in Military Prison 10, insisting they are not fugitives or draft evaders but talmidei yeshiva who have been jailed for their commitment to Torah study.

In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Ben Tzur discussed the proposed law to halt the arrests of yeshiva students, the stalled draft law, the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s commitments, the decision by the chareidi parties to freeze coalition legislation until Torah-related legislation is advanced, the recent demonstrations and police conduct, and the political landscape following the upcoming elections.

Ben Tzur focused heavily on legislation being promoted by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri that would suspend the arrests of yeshiva students, expressing confidence that Netanyahu intends to move the measure forward.

“I believe Netanyahu,” Ben Tzur said. “I’ll explain why. Anyone with common sense understands that these arrests do not advance military recruitment—they simply throw entire systems into chaos.”

He rejected claims that Netanyahu lacked the political support to pass the draft law, arguing instead that the legislation was ready for a Knesset vote before senior gedolei Torah instructed that it should not be advanced at this time.

“I want to remind everyone,” he said. “Netanyahu never said he lacked a majority for the draft law. It was ready for a vote, but at the last moment the gedolei Torah decided that this was not the right time to pass it. We accept their guidance. In my assessment, had it depended solely on Netanyahu, the draft law would have passed. When Netanyahu truly commits himself to something, he commits.”

Ben Tzur argued that the proposed anti-arrest legislation enjoys broader political support because many lawmakers recognize that the arrests accomplish little.

“Regarding the arrests law, it is easier,” he explained. “People understand that these arrests serve no purpose. They simply create chaos. Even members of the opposition recognize that this is not the right course at this time, so I hope there will be a willingness to pass the law.”

He emphasized, however, that the legislation would only halt the arrests and would not eliminate the sanctions currently imposed on yeshiva students. Addressing those sanctions, he said, would remain a goal for the next Knesset term.

Ben Tzur also expressed confidence that the legislation would survive a challenge before Israel’s High Court of Justice.

“I believe the High Court also understands that the chaos on the roads and the protests resulting from these arrests serve no useful purpose,” he said. “I do not believe the Court will intervene in this law, especially not on the eve of elections.”

Turning to the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Ben Tzur described it as primarily declarative rather than a mechanism for bypassing the principle of equality.

“The purpose of the law is for the State of Israel to recognize Torah study as a national value,” he said. “That alone is an important step forward. On the basis of that law, we will be able in the future to advance the draft law.”

According to Ben Tzur, the immediate goal is to stop the arrests through Deri’s proposed legislation.

The Shas lawmaker also spoke emotionally about visits he and other chareidi members of the Knesset have made to Military Prison 10, where they meet yeshiva students who have been detained.

“We do not view them as ‘deserters’ or ‘draft dodgers,’” he said. “We view them as talmidei yeshiva who should have been sitting and learning and who were arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah.”

“Anyone who calls them deserters is wrong. These are yeshiva students who were arrested because they chose Torah study. We appreciate these bochurim, and we want to encourage them. These prison visits provide that encouragement.”

Ben Tzur recalled a conversation with one of the detainees.

“One of the bochurim told me it was his second arrest,” he said. “During his first imprisonment he completed Maseches Gittin. These are young men who continue learning diligently even while in prison. We must appreciate them. I am proud to visit someone who was arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah. He deserves the highest respect.”

Ben Tzur also sharply criticized police conduct during recent protests in the chareidi community, describing scenes that he said were deeply disturbing.

“What happened was simply horrific,” he said. “It reminded us of very dark periods in the past. This is how Jews were treated in other countries. If this had happened to Jews in Europe or the United States, we would all have cried out. But when it happens here? It is inconceivable. I cannot understand such cruelty—kicking a bochur in the head while he is lying on the ground, tearing people’s clothing.”

Addressing police officers directly, he added, “My brothers in the police force, I do not understand where this evil comes from. Where does this cruelty come from? Some of you come from our own community. How do you reach such a level of hatred toward bnei Torah? I am deeply astonished, and I hope those responsible will be held accountable.”

Looking ahead to the political landscape after the elections, Ben Tzur predicted that Netanyahu would ultimately secure enough seats to form a governing coalition.

“In my assessment, Netanyahu will ultimately obtain the number of mandates he needs to establish a government,” he said. “If he seeks to form a national unity government, we have supported such governments in the past. Shas has done so before, and if it enables us to work together and restore stability, that is something we can discuss.”

{Matzav.com}