Israel approves bill halting arrests of ultra-Orthodox students over military service

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Jerusalem: Israel's parliament (Knesset) enacted a controversial bill on Tuesday that temporarily prohibits the arrest and legal action against Jewish ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) religious students who do not perform mandatory military service. The proposal passed with a 58-54 majority, offering temporary protection to thousands of Haredi men of draft age while parliamentarians prepare for the approaching general election.

The move comes as Israel's military is under greater strain due to staff shortages caused by months of fighting in Gaza and rising regional tensions. Military authorities have argued that increased recruitment is critical to maintaining operational preparedness, making the exemption a politically controversial subject.

For decades, many ultra-Orthodox men have been excused from military service to pursue full-time religious study. However, the issue has become increasingly controversial, with secular Israelis and reservists demanding that the cost of national duty be divided more fairly. Last year, Israel's Supreme Court declared that the government could no longer continue blanket exemptions without a legal foundation, which fuelled the argument.

Opposition MPs and advocacy groups have sharply criticised the law, claiming that it violates equality before the law and weakens public trust in the military draft system. However, ultra-Orthodox parties praised the legislation, claiming that maintaining Torah study is a basic national value and that religious students should not be forced to serve in the armed forces.