All UTJ and Shas MKs proudly disclose conflict of interest in vote on draft dodger law

The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties issued a pair of provocative statements this evening announcing conflicts of interest among their lawmakers before the Knesset voted to pass a law temporarily banning the arrests of Haredi draft dodgers.

The disclosure was read aloud in the plenum at the behest of Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik, who earlier said lawmakers with close relatives who stand to benefit from the legislation must publicly declare their conflict of interest before voting.

The wording of the twin statements, signed by all 18 lawmakers from both parties, sparked vocal protest from the law’s opponents when Knesset Speaker Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit) read them aloud.

In the name of the lawmakers, the letter discloses that “among tens of thousands of Torah scholars, we too, by the grace of God, have children and grandchildren over the age of 18 who serve as the Tribe of Levi, and we are proud of them.”

“As such, it is possible that the provisions of the present bill could have an impact on them,” the letter continues.

The lawmakers’ reference to the biblical Tribe of Levi is an analogy often used by supporters of Haredi non-enlistment, likening yeshiva students who avoid army conscription to the Levites, who in Jewish tradition dedicated their time to religious rather than material matters.

The controversial law passed tonight grants tens of thousands of Haredi draft evaders immunity from arrest until November 30, and extends that protection to those who become eligible for military service after it takes effect, effectively eliminating the threat of arrest and making it easier to refuse to enlist during that period.

It also suspends ongoing criminal proceedings against those already facing enforcement measures.