A heated debate over Israel’s draft law, the arrests of bnei Torah, and the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study erupted on the “Black Kippahs” program, with lawmakers, journalists, and legal experts clashing over the future of military service and the changing demographics of Israeli society.

Likud MK Osher Shekalim launched a blistering attack on Israel’s judicial system and the opposition, arguing that the recent arrests of draft evaders have only discouraged enlistment.

“The moment these arrests began, all motivation to enlist disappeared,” Shekalim said. “This is purely political. The attorney general is a full-fledged political player who identified a weak point and is trying to create chaos in order to bring down the government. The Left has no interest whatsoever in drafting chareidim. MK Shiri is simply lying and misleading the public.”

Attorney Hadad, who represents draft evaders, echoed that criticism and argued that the military itself has failed to live up to its commitments.

“The army isn’t really interested in chareidim and does not keep its promises,” he said. “The only real solution is to establish a professional army.”

During the discussion, journalist Israel Izikovich presented demographic data showing that, over the past three years, the majority of Jewish children entering first grade have come from the religious and chareidi sectors. He argued that within less than a decade, they will constitute the majority of Israel’s military-age population.

“We’re entering a new era,” Izikovich said. “You are becoming the minority, while we are becoming the majority. The army will have no choice but to change and adapt itself to us.”

His remarks drew a sharp response from MK Naor Shiri of Yesh Atid, who dismissed the argument and criticized the coalition’s approach.

“This is complete fantasy,” Shiri said. “As if, before these arrests, thousands of chareidim were lining up outside the induction center just waiting for someone to let them in. Why should we serve if you don’t?”

Shiri concluded with a stark warning about Israel’s future if current trends continue.

“Sorry for the lack of optimism, but the country you’re describing simply has no future in 20 years,” he said. “There won’t be an army, there won’t be an economy, and the country will once again fall apart. The Jewish people have already experienced destruction twice in history—so good luck with the third one.”