Military Police have arrested two ultra-Orthodox men accused of evading mandatory military service, reigniting public debate over conscription laws. One of the detainees, a prominent student at the Itri yeshiva, had reportedly been classified as a deserter for six months after refusing to report to the draft office, following rabbinic guidance.

These arrests come as lawmakers discuss new legislation aimed at regulating the status of ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the military. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that a new draft law will be passed during the current parliamentary session, but its timing and prospects remain uncertain.