Amid major political drama, Charedi parties are threatening to collapse the coalition over draft law disputes that include travel bans on yeshiva bochurim – potentially preventing Lubavitch bochurim from visiting the Rebbe.

By Anash.org reporter 

After a last-minute political drama that stretched until the final moments, a newly finalized draft conscription law – agreed upon last month between MK Yuli Edelstein and Chareidi party leaders – is raising serious concerns across the yeshiva world.

The law, while offering some exemptions for yeshiva students, also imposes significant sanctions on ‘bnei yeshiva‘  who do not enlist, such as travel bans that could significantly impact Lubavitch bochurim travelling for the Kvutza year, spending Tishrei with the Rebbe, and other visits throughout the year.

Despite these measures, the Charedi parties initially accepted the agreement, viewing it as a compromise that would prevent more stringent legislation.

However, recent developments have led to renewed tensions. The Charedi parties have expressed frustration over delays in advancing the legislation and a perceived lack of commitment from the government to uphold the agreed-upon terms. 

A senior Charedi political official stated, “Everything that was promised to us on the eve of the attack on Iran has been canceled. We have lost trust in them.”

In response to these concerns, the Charedi parties are considering a walkout from the Knesset and threatening to collapse the coalition if their demands are not met. 

The agreed upon law mandates conscription for yeshiva students aged 18 to 26, with strict annual recruitment targets: 4,800 in the first year, 5,700 in the second, and a goal of drafting 50% of Chareidim in that age group within five years.

Even if these targets are fully met, students who officially declare “תורתו אומנותו” – that Torah is their sole occupation – will still face permanent restrictions. These include disqualification from academic scholarships, loss of tax credit points for working young men, and exclusion from various vocational and employment benefits.

Of particular concern is the law’s imposition of immediate personal sanctions. These include the suspension or denial of driver’s licenses and, crucially, a ban on leaving the country. While an exceptions committee is mentioned, the structure as written would make it extremely difficult – if not nearly impossible – for bochurim to travel to the Rebbe for Tishrei, the Kvutza year, any other time during the year, or to leave the country at all.

Until now, Chabad operated under a unique, separate and unofficial understanding with the IDF, which recognized that most bochurim eventually enlist – typically after their year in Kvutza or upon marriage. This arrangement allowed for flexibility, with Chabad and the military working cooperatively to create tailored enlistment tracks, including positions in tech and intelligence. The new law, however, overrides that flexibility with binding legal language, making exemptions more complex and potentially subject to litigation.

In addition to personal sanctions, yeshivos will also be held financially accountable for not meeting recruitment targets. If a yeshiva falls below 75% of its goal, it could lose its entire government budget. Even smaller shortfalls will be penalized: for example, reaching 90% of the goal would still trigger a 20% budget cut, as the remaining gap is doubled.

As stated earlier, despite these significant measures, the Charedi parties initially accepted the agreement, viewing it as a compromise that would prevent more stringent legislation.

At the time of this writing, the situation remains fluid, with a critical deadline set for Wednesday. The Charedi parties have made it clear that an agreement must be reached by then to avoid dissolving the coalition. If no deal is secured by Wednesday, the coalition is expected to collapse. Their actions indicate they are prepared to take significant steps to ensure the agreed-upon terms are honored before this deadline.