Israel Approves Bill to Temporarily Freeze Arrests of Haredi Draft-Dodgers Amid Political Tensions The Israeli Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has approved the final readings of a bill granting temporary immunity from arrest for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) draft-dodgers, effective for 90 days starting on the law’s enactment date. The legislation, which aims to ease political pressure from Haredi communities and coalition partners, allows yeshiva students who study 40 to 45 hours weekly in state-registered institutions to avoid arrest. The measure comes amid widespread protests and political tensions over the small number of Haredi draft-dodgers actually detained, despite tens of thousands remaining subject to legal action. The bill’s approval follows criticism from the Knesset’s legal adviser, who called the legislation “illegitimate” and discriminatory, arguing it violates the principle of equality before the law. The committee’s legal adviser also warned the bill’s structure was flawed, but the committee proceeded with its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, which could be held before the parliament dissolves on July 17. The law is part of broader efforts to address Haredi resistance to military service, which has been a contentious issue in Israeli politics for decades. Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the United States escalated over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) claimed the strait was closed to shipping due to “illegal movements” by U.S. forces, despite U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) asserting that traffic was flowing normally. Iran’s IRGC navy also announced it had closed the strait until U.S. “interference” in the region ended.#strait_of_hormuz #iran_us_conflict #israeli_knesset #haredi_draft_dodgers #iranian_irgc
