Full Breakdown
High Court Extends Freeze on Law Shielding Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evaders
7/29/2026, 1:30:04 PM
Core Legal Conflict
A nine-justice panel of Israel’s High Court of Justice issued an interim order that maintains the freeze on a law intended to suspend police and IDF arrests of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men who fail to report for military service. The law, scheduled for passage on July 14, would have barred arrests for a seven-month period. Justice Ofer Grosskopf froze the measure the day after it was slated for enactment and ordered the state and the Knesset to explain why it should not be struck down. The court indicated that a final judgment will be issued “soon.”
Background & Context
The draft-evasion issue has persisted for years. A 2017 High Court ruling struck down a previous framework that treated yeshiva students differently, and the 2022 government bill aimed to balance enlistment targets, Torah-study recognition, and employment incentives. After the October 7 massacre, the coalition revived the proposal through a continuity procedure. The final temporary law abandoned broader enlistment provisions and focused solely on freezing enforcement, prompting Knesset legal advisers to argue that the legislation introduced a “new subject” contrary to parliamentary rules.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 72,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 are currently eligible for military service but have not complied with conscription orders.
- The Israel Defense Forces has repeatedly stated it needs an additional 12,000 recruits amid a multifront conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara asked the court to annul the law, describing it as a “group immunity mechanism” that protects one sector while leaving other draft evaders fully exposed.
Knesset legal adviser Yitzhak Bart (identified in sources as Yitzhak Barat) argued that the law’s passage violated procedural rules because the final text differed fundamentally from the bill approved in its first reading, constituting a new legislative subject.
The government declined to appear at the hearing, filing a brief that accused the court of overstepping separation-of-powers boundaries and claimed the outcome was “known in advance.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no escaping the conclusion that the new law introduced a new subject,” — Yitzhak Bart, attorney
- “There are certain procedural lines that cannot be crossed – particularly ones that outline how a bill becomes law.” — Hagai Kalai
- “I simply cannot believe what I am hearing,” — Justice David Mintz
- “We will repeal all draft-evasion laws and ensure that those who serve are placed at the top of the national priorities. Anyone who does not serve will not receive a single shekel from the state,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister
- “There is no choice but to strike down the law,” — Yitzhak Barat, attorney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The government’s brief provides no substantive legal defense of the law, offering only procedural criticisms. No detailed plan for alternative enforcement or enlistment incentives was presented, leaving a gap in how the state intends to address the draft shortfall without the frozen enforcement measures.
What’s Next
Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg indicated that the panel will issue its final ruling “soon.” The decision will determine whether the temporary freeze remains in place or the law is struck down, shaping the legal landscape of ultra-Orthodox draft obligations.
