A group of lawmakers is urging the government to amend its proposed legislation on ultra-Orthodox conscription to formally recognize Haredi hesder yeshivas, which allow young men to combine Torah study with shortened military service. The proposal seeks to extend the model, already common in the religious Zionist community, to the ultra-Orthodox sector and calls for the establishment of more such institutions. Lawmakers argue that these programs are crucial for integrating the Haredi community into military service and meeting national recruitment goals, but currently face challenges due to insufficient resources and lack of official support.

The legislators have sent a letter to the prime minister and the head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, insisting on the amendment and highlighting the importance of these frameworks for the country's security needs. They warn that failing to recognize these institutions in law undermines efforts to expand Haredi participation in the military. The amendment would also allow participants to pursue academic degrees alongside their religious studies. Some lawmakers have indicated they may oppose the bill if their demands are not met.