The Israeli Knesset (parliament) has passed a law temporarily banning the arrest and prosecution of ultra-Orthodox Jews evading military service.
Lawmakers passed a bill exempting Haredi draft dodgers in the second and third readings by 58-54 votes, the daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from Tuesday’s vote on the controversial bill, championed by the ultra-Orthodox parties.
The law grants tens of thousands of Haredi draft evaders immunity from arrest until November 30 and extends that protection to those who become eligible for military service after it takes effect.
It also suspends ongoing criminal proceedings against those already facing enforcement measures.
There are roughly 72,000 Haredi men who were liable to arrest until today, according to figures released by the attorney general.
On Monday, Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir criticised the bill, saying it was “clearly and unequivocally inconsistent with the army’s needs” and amounted to “providing mass exemptions from prosecution.”
Israel’s Army Radio reported early on Tuesday that the army is facing shortages of reserve personnel and combat-ready tanks, with some reserve formations nearing “effective collapse”.
