High Court names nine-justice panel to hear petitions on law halting arrest of haredi draft dodgers

The High Court of Justice will convene a nine-justice panel on July 28 to hear petitions challenging a new law that temporarily halts arrest and enforcement proceedings against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who do not report for military service. Supreme Court President Isaac Amit announced the expanded panel, which includes five justices who previously issued critical rulings requiring the government to enforce military service obligations against Haredi draft evaders. Justice Ofer Grosskopf issued a temporary order suspending the law's enforcement until further notice, citing the court's longstanding rulings on enlistment equality. The law, passed by the Knesset, was intended to remain in force until November 30, despite warnings from Knesset legal advisers about its discriminatory nature. The petitions were filed by various political figures and organizations, with respondents required to submit replies four days before the hearing.