Exemption at age 26, suspension of arrests: Bills seek to regulate yeshiva students' status

NOVEMBER 11, 2026 10:08United Torah Judaism MKs Meir Porush and Elyakim Stark (United Torah Judaism) introduced on Wednesday two bills following the convening of the 26th Knesset, aimed at regulating the military service status of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) yeshiva students and married men studying in kollels.The first bill would allow yeshiva students to defer military service until age 26, while the second would immediately suspend arrest, investigation, and criminal enforcement proceedings against eligible students for one year.Under the first proposal, the defense minister would be authorized to grant military service deferments to yeshiva students who regularly engage in religious studies for at least 45 hours a week at a yeshiva or 40 hours a week at a kollel.Each deferment would be valid for up to one year and could be renewed until the student turns 26. At that age, the defense minister would grant the student a full exemption from mandatory military service.The bill also includes transitional provisions designed to retroactively regulate the status of yeshiva students during the period since the previous legal framework expired.MK Meir Porush reacts during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on October 22, 2025 (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)Proposal calls for retroactive applicationUnder these provisions, students who met the study requirements before the new law takes effect would not face prosecution for failing to report for military service. If legal proceedings had already begun or a judgment had been issued, the proceedings or enforcement of the judgment would be halted immediately.The proposal would also allow yeshiva students to apply for military service deferments even if they had not completed the registration process during the period when no legal framework was in place.The bill's explanatory notes argue that arrangements governing the status of yeshiva students have been part of Israel's system since the state's establishment.Its sponsors seek to legally recognize Torah study as a central value, arguing that the state has a moral and historical obligation to allow individuals who wish to dedicate their lives to Torah study to maintain that way of life.Second bill seeks to suspend arrests for one yearPorush and Stark also introduced a second bill, framed as a temporary measure lasting one year, known as the "Arrest Suspension Law."The proposal seeks to immediately halt arrest, investigation, and criminal enforcement proceedings against yeshiva students until comprehensive legislation regulating their status is enacted.Under the bill, authorities would be prohibited from initiating enforcement proceedings under the Defense Service Law or the Military Justice Law against yeshiva students who were required to report for military service on or after July 1, 2023.To qualify, students would have to declare that they study at least 45 hours a week at a yeshiva or 40 hours a week at a kollel and that they do not engage in any other occupation.The bill's explanatory notes describe the circumstances surrounding its introduction as a "Jewish and social emergency."Its sponsors argue that the current legal situation has fueled unrest and deepened divisions within Israeli society. They say suspending enforcement proceedings would help ease tensions while lawmakers work toward a permanent arrangement.Porush's office said the decision to submit both bills at the start of the new Knesset was intended to make the regulation of yeshiva students' status a top parliamentary priority.The office added that the legislation seeks to remove the threat of arrests and sanctions against yeshiva students, allowing them to continue their studies.Follow us on Google