Israel’s parliament approved controversial legislation granting draft dodgers immunity from arrest on Tuesday, despite a formal warning from the country’s legal advisor. The move has triggered a fierce backlash from Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri, who launched an unusually sharp attack on the military’s top commander. Deri accused the chief of staff of losing his grip on the role and claimed he had actively sought to assist Israel’s left-wing political opposition during recent election campaigns. The Shas leader alleged the military leadership had caused substantial damage to the armed forces through these alleged political interventions. His comments represent a rare moment of open conflict between a government coalition member and the military establishment over both substantive policy and accusations of political bias. The conscription immunity law, which shields individuals who have evaded mandatory military service from prosecution, has proven contentious within Israeli politics, particularly given the country’s reliance on compulsory military recruitment to maintain its defence capabilities. The legal advisor’s warning, issued before the vote, cautioned that the legislation could violate fundamental principles of equality and state security, but lawmakers proceeded with the approval regardless.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.