JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel’s Knesset on Tuesday approved legislation barring the arrest of haredi yeshiva students who fail to report for compulsory military service, passing the measure 58-54 after a heated parliamentary debate that underscored deep divisions over military conscription.

The bill passed with support from the governing coalition, although four coalition lawmakers broke ranks to oppose it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended part of the debate but was not present for the final vote.

Haredi coalition leaders welcomed the legislation, saying it protects Torah students from criminal enforcement tied to the military draft. Opposition lawmakers sharply criticized the measure, arguing it creates unequal treatment between haredi Israelis and other citizens who are required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces.

Shortly after the vote, opposition parties Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beytenu announced they had petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice to strike down the law, contending it violates the principle of equal military service.

The legislation comes as Israel continues to grapple with the politically sensitive issue of haredi military exemptions, a longstanding source of tension that has intensified since the country’s ongoing war increased demands on military reservists.