A special Knesset committee yesterday approved one of the most controversial clauses of a bill to reform the military draft, placing criminal sanctions on ultra-Orthodox seminary students who refuse to enlist.

The committee, headed by Jewish Home MK Ayelet Shaked has been voting on recommendations regarding the bill during the past week. The proposed legislation, which passed a first Knesset reading in July, requires that all but 1,800 full-time ultra-Orthodox seminary students be required to enlist in either the IDF or civilian national service once they reach the age of 21. Last night, the committee approved placing criminal sanctions on ultra-Orthodox draftees who refuse to enlist – a measure which is viewed as divisive and a bone of contention between coalition partners.

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid is thought to have threatened to leave the government if the criminalisation clause is not approved. However, it is opposed by the Jewish Home party, which although it supports ultra-Orthodox enlistment, argues that financial penalties not imprisonment would be a more effective method to achieve this.

Following last night’s vote, Yesh Atid Minister Jacob Perry commented, “For the first time since Israel’s inception, the fate of an ultra-Orthodox draft dodger and a secular draft dodger will be the same.” However, under the proposed law ultra-Orthodox enlistment will not be imposed until 2017, prompting Labour MK Itzik Shmuli to say that although the bill is a positive step, the four-year grace period means it is “definitely not enough.” Meanwhile, Jewish Home MK Moti Yogev described the bill as a “stupid law,” which “Instead of encouraging the ultra-Orthodox to join the IDF, it will encourage them to set rubbish bins on fire in Jerusalem,” in protest.

Ultra-Orthodox news outlet Kikar Hashabatsaid a large protest against the bill is planned for early next week. Meanwhile, the Knesset plenum is expected to vote on the proposed legislation during the coming weeks.