Israel leaders sign petition against Knesset's passing of haredi draft bill

Over 70 Israeli mayors and council leaders have filed a petition condemning the Knesset's recent passage of a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft exemption bill. The petition argues that while "Studying Torah is an important value in the Jewish people, but no less important than that is the value of preserving and defending the land." Signatories, including Haim Bibas and Shay Hajaj, stated the legislation is "a serious blow to national resilience and the cohesion of Israeli society," especially given current national challenges. The bill, which temporarily freezes arrests of haredi draft evaders, passed the Knesset with 58 votes to 54 despite legal warnings and public outrage. The High Court of Justice has since temporarily frozen the law, requiring the Knesset and government to explain why it should not be struck down.