Sharren Haskel announces resignation as Israel's deputy foreign minister

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel (New Hope-United Right) resigned from the Israeli government on Tuesday following the Knesset's passage of legislation freezing the arrests of haredi draft evaders. Haskel, who voted against the bill, stated, "I feel that I can no longer support a government that harms the security of the country during wartime." She had previously warned she would resign if laws encouraging draft evasion were passed, arguing such legislation "will reduce Israelis' motivation to continue serving." Her resignation also follows the Knesset's approval of a bill to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value, which critics also say encourages draft evasion. Haskel's departure comes amid reports she is considering joining a new right-wing party.