The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday approved for its second and third readings a bill that would temporarily freeze the arrests of yeshiva bochurim whose full-time occupation is Torah study.

The measure passed by a narrow 8-7 vote, subject to a procedural reconsideration, and is expected to head to the Knesset plenum for final approval.

At the heart of the proposal is a temporary order that would suspend the arrests of eligible yeshiva students from the time the law takes effect through November 30, 2026, recognizing the importance of full-time Torah study.

Under the legislation, a yeshiva bochur will qualify if he studies Torah for at least 45 hours per week. Kollel yungeleit will be required to study at least 40 hours weekly, excluding vacation periods determined by the Defense Minister.

The Defense Minister will also be responsible for compiling the list of yeshivos eligible for the arrangement. Institutions will be required to certify that they meet the law’s study requirements.

The legislation establishes a new oversight mechanism under the Defense Ministry. Inspectors will be permitted to work together with the Education Ministry’s existing inspection system to verify compliance.

If inspectors determine that 20 percent or more of students at a yeshiva are repeatedly absent, the rosh yeshiva will receive a warning. Should the excessive absenteeism continue, the institution will be removed from the list of recognized yeshivos under the arrangement, and its students would be required to transfer to another approved yeshiva to remain eligible.

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