Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has stated that legislation suspending arrests of yeshiva students who have not reported for military service will not be reinstated in the next government. He said the measure failed to achieve its goal of increasing Chareidi military enlistment.
During a private discussion, Netanyahu indicated the temporary law halting arrests of yeshiva bochurim was designed as a short-term effort to "lower the flames and increase the number of haredi recruits," But did not produce the expected results. According to a Kan News report, he said the arrangement has run its course.
Netanyahu declared that after elections, "a broad national government will be established that will immediately pass a full enlistment law that meets the IDF's needs." He added, "Whoever does not study Torah will enlist, or go to prison."
Reports from two weeks prior suggested Netanyahu has been working to create political distance from Chareidi parties ahead of the election campaign, with sources close to him indicating he will continue widening that gap while preserving his political bloc's strength.
The announcements follow a July 15 Supreme Court ruling that issued a conditional order blocking implementation of the arrest-suspension law. The court found the legislation conflicted with earlier decisions on equal burden-sharing and with legal and professional opinions stating such policies encourage draft avoidance. The matter is expected to be reviewed by an expanded panel of justices later.