High Court maintains freeze on law limiting enforcement against haredi draft dodgers

The High Court of Justice maintained its freeze on a law limiting enforcement against haredi draft dodgers, with a final ruling expected soon. The interim order followed a hearing where the nine-justice panel heard arguments. The law, passed July 14, was frozen the next day by Justice Grosskopf after petitions by opposition leaders. Attorney-General Baharav-Miara argued the law creates a 'group immunity mechanism.' The Knesset's legal advisers concluded the law introduced a new subject, a rare defect. The government declined to defend the law, accusing the court of violating separation of powers.

The High Court of Justice on Tuesday maintained its freeze on a law that limits enforcement measures against haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men who fail to report for military service, with a final ruling expected soon. The interim order was issued several hours after a hearing in which the nine-justice panel heard arguments from the parties represented in the case. The law, which passed on July 14, was frozen the following day by Justice Ofer Grosskopf after five petitions were filed against it, including by opposition faction heads Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara on Friday asked the court to strike down the law, arguing that it retains the duty to enlist while removing the consequences for refusing to do so, calling it a 'group immunity mechanism.' The Knesset's legal advisers concluded that the law introduced a new subject, a procedural defect that is 'extremely rare.' The government filed a two-page position declining to defend the law, accusing the court of violating the separation of powers. Opposition leaders condemned the legislation and welcomed the court's decision.