Pyrrhic victory on draft dodger arrest bill could cost Netanyahu’s coalition at ballot box

The recent passage of legislation in Israel, which bans the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers, has caused significant political fallout for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. The bill led to the departure of several prominent lawmakers, including Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer and Likud MK Dan Illouz, who stated, "I can’t ask you to vote for a party I can no longer vote for myself." Polls indicate a sharp decline in support for Likud and Shas, as voters express anger over draft exemptions during wartime. Mayors and council heads, including senior Likud figures, condemned the law as "a severe blow to national resilience and the cohesion of Israeli society." The High Court has since frozen the law's implementation, potentially leaving the coalition with political costs but no benefits.