The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has resumed debate over the contentious Haredi conscription bill, following the appointment of Boaz Bismuth as its new chair. The bill seeks to address the long-standing exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from military service, a topic that has sparked heated exchanges among lawmakers and led to the temporary withdrawal of the two main Haredi parties from the coalition.

Despite efforts to find common ground, discussions have been marked by sharp disagreements over proposed sanctions for draft evaders and the balance between tradition and national service. The Israel Defense Forces has ramped up recruitment efforts, sending tens of thousands of conscription orders to eligible Haredi men, but enlistment numbers remain far below targets.

Senior government officials remain hopeful that a compromise, based on earlier negotiations, can be reached to pass a law acceptable to both the coalition and the Haredi community. However, Haredi leaders continue to demand broad exemptions for those engaged in religious study, and protests against conscription persist.