Chaos in Israel’s parliament as Netanyahu pushes bill protecting ultra-orthodox draft evaders
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu was heckled during a tense Knesset debate over military conscription.
- The bill temporarily shields Haredi draft evaders from arrest and prosecution.
- The legislation passed by a narrow 58-54 margin despite coalition defections.
Israel's parliament descended into chaos as opposition lawmakers confronted Benjamin Netanyahu over legislation protecting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders
Israel's parliament descended into disorder on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over legislation that temporarily protects ultra-Orthodox draft evaders from arrest and prosecution.
The heated exchanges unfolded in the Knesset as lawmakers debated the coalition-backed bill, with opposition members shouting "Shame!" and "Leave!" as Netanyahu entered the chamber ahead of the final readings.
The proposed legislation temporarily freezes the enlistment of Haredi draft evaders for several months by suspending their arrest and prosecution.
The measure has drawn strong criticism from the Israel Defence Forces, defence officials and opposition parties, who have opposed the temporary protections.
As debate intensified, Netanyahu left the chamber before the final vote and did not take part in the ballot.
Despite several defections from within the governing coalition, the legislation was approved by a narrow 58-54 vote.
The confrontation highlighted growing political divisions over military conscription, an issue that has become one of Israel's most contentious domestic debates.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
