Chareidi Parties Demand Immediate Regulation of Yeshivah Students’ Legal Status Amidst Gov’t Delay

In a recent development, the government approved Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s authority to instruct the IDF regarding the enlistment of yeshivah students, pending approvals from recruitment authorities based on the army’s needs and his request. However, Agudas Yisrael has called for immediate action to regulate the legal status of yeshivah students.

Ministers Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf and Rabbi Meir Porush of Agudas Yisrael expressed their strong opposition to the decision, which effectively leaves yeshivah students without proper legal regulation regarding their non-enlistment. They highlighted the prolonged delay in advancing the legislation, as agreed upon in the coalition agreement, which also includes the enactment of a Basic Law on Torah study.

During the discussion on the proposal, Rabbi Porush pointed out the absence of a written directive for the defense minister to submit a bill regulating the status of yeshivah students, despite verbal assurances. He emphasized the need for a law that explicitly states that Torah students will not be drafted, just as there is a requirement to prepare a law honoring military service.

Rabbi Porush further criticized the government members for reneging on their commitment to the chareidi public, stating that the proposal promised approval of the law by the end of winter. However, in a meeting with the Prime Minister, it was agreed that the legislation would not be delayed and would be completed during the mid-summer session.

Expressing concern about the legal situation facing yeshivah students and kollel avreichim, Rabbi Porush emphasized the importance of establishing a proper legal framework for the status of Torah students. He warned against allowing a situation where the status of yeshivah students in relation to the army is not regulated by law, contrary to the historical precedent established since the founding of the state.

Representatives of the chareidi public expressed frustration with the government’s decision, as it treated the legislation regulating the integration of yeshivah students and graduates of chareidi educational institutions separately from the commitment to immediately promote a bill regulating the status of yeshivah students. This discrepancy contradicted the repeated assurances given by coalition leaders to the chareidi representation.

Furthermore, the chareidi parties highlighted a recent meeting held in the Prime Minister’s Office, where it was agreed that the Defense Ministry would present a bill for review and comments within two weeks. However, the issue has been postponed once again, much to their disappointment.

Within the Torah world, there are growing calls for the immediate promotion of the legal status of yeshivah students. Even if certain parts of the legislation may face delays, it is crucial to initiate the advancement of the draft law this week to prevent a situation where yeshivah students are left without a proper legal status over an extended period.