Knesset legal adviser warns proposed Haredi draft law falls short on equality, security

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee legal adviser Miri Frenkel Shor raises serious concerns over the proposed draft conscription law for ultra-Orthodox Israelis, Hebrew media reports.

In an opinion released ahead of tomorrow’s committee discussion on the bill, she reportedly says the proposed civil-security service alternative, open only to graduates of ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, violates equality principles and is not equivalent to military service.

Shor notes that the service is shorter, voluntary and does not include reserve duty, while also failing to meet current security needs that require increasing IDF combat personnel.

The draft law, which would allow Haredim to perform civil-security service in bodies such as the Prison Service, Shin Bet, Mossad, and police, has been circulated to committee members by chairman Boaz Bismuth. At least eight coalition MKs are reported to oppose the draft, while Haredi factions are reportedly working to form a unified front ahead of the debate.