The Israeli government has decided against mounting an independent legal defense before the High Court of Justice for a law that freezes arrests of chareidi draft evaders. The state's position will instead rest solely with the attorney general, who is expected to oppose the legislation.
According to reporting, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri determined that the government would not seek separate legal representation in the High Court proceedings challenging the law. This means the government's own position will not be presented independently to the justices.
The attorney general is widely expected to align with petitioners challenging the law and argue against it, leaving supporters of the legislation without a dedicated government advocate before the court.
A similar approach was taken by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi regarding petitions against the Communications Reform Law. Though Karhi declined to request independent representation, the deputy attorney general reportedly offered on his own initiative to grant the government separate representation. Karhi ultimately rejected the offer.
The government is taking a different stance regarding legislation that significantly limits the attorney general's authority. In that case, the government is expected to request separate legal representation and actively defend the law before the High Court.
The High Court issued a temporary injunction blocking implementation of the draft arrest freeze law, preventing it from taking effect while legal challenges proceed. Arrests of draft evaders continue under existing legal frameworks. The court also issued an order to show cause requiring those defending the legislation to justify why it should not be struck down.
The High Court similarly issued a temporary injunction suspending provisions of the Communications Reform Law scheduled for immediate implementation.
Supreme Court Justice Ofer Grosskopf declined to freeze the law concerning the attorney general's status, noting it is not scheduled to take effect until January 2027.