The Knesset on Tuesday approved, by a vote of 58-54, legislation temporarily freezing the arrest of yeshiva bochurim classified as draft evaders, marking a major victory for the Chareidi parties after months of coalition tensions, political threats, and negotiations. The legislation passed despite strong opposition from legal officials, bereaved families, and IDF veterans, who argued it comes at a time of a severe manpower shortage in the military.

The law will suspend the arrest of eligible yeshiva bochurim from the time it is published until November 30. However, because the Knesset is expected to dissolve ahead of the October 27 elections, the temporary measure is expected to remain in effect for approximately six months under Israeli law. The proposal defines an eligible yeshiva bochur as one who studies Torah at least 45 hours per week, or 40 hours per week in kollel. The defense minister will be responsible for determining which yeshivos qualify under regulations to be established.

Ahead of the vote, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir strongly opposed the legislation, warning that it would create serious national security problems and further deepen the military’s manpower crisis. Zamir said the measure would undermine the principle of the IDF as the “people’s army” by weakening the expectation that all sectors of society share the burden of military service. He has repeatedly warned in recent months that the IDF faces an urgent manpower shortage after more than two years of war.

Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik also issued sharp objections, arguing the legislation is fundamentally unbalanced because it freezes arrests without imposing any sanctions on draft evaders. She further criticized the legislative process, saying the bill had undergone sweeping changes since its original first reading years ago and that rushing it through before the Knesset recess constituted an improper legislative process. Ahead of the vote, Afik also required lawmakers to disclose whether they had family members who could benefit from the legislation due to potential conflicts of interest.

The legislation is part of a broader package of Chareidi-backed bills advanced this week following agreements between Shas, United Torah Judaism, and the coalition. On Monday, the Knesset also approved the Basic Law: Torah Study, enshrining Torah study as a fundamental value in Israeli law.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu and Yesh Atid have already filed petitions with Israel’s Supreme Court challenging the legislation.

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