A stormy Supreme Court hearing was held on Sunday on “contempt of court” petitions submitted by left-wing entities over the government’s failure to draft bnei yeshivos.

The hostile petitioners made unprecedented demands, including the physical closure of yeshivos, arrest warrants and fines against ministers who are failing to draft bnei yeshivos, and personal sanctions against police officials who are failing to conduct “enforcement raids in Bnei Brak.”

The petitioners demanded that the court order the IDF and the police to carry out “enforcement operations” in the heart of Chareidi population centers and impose personal sanctions on government members. Attorney Gilad Barnea, one of the petitioners, even called on the judges to close the yeshivos. “We ask that the court issue an order closing the gates of yeshivos to draft dodgers,” Barnea said, adding a demand for “re‑education” inside the yeshivas: “Let IDF personnel enter the yeshivas and explain to them what the army is.”

Another left-wing petitioner, Attorney Chagai Kalai, who represents the Israel Hofsheet organization, was heard on the microphone muttering to his colleague: “We’re going to dismantle the Olam HaTorah.”

Meanwhile, the representative of the Attorney General added fuel to the fire of economic decrees by stating that the Interior Minister must deny property‑tax discounts to avreichim and bochurim who are draft‑eligible, even without formal legislation.

During the remarks of the Attorney General’s representative, another left-wing petitioner, Attorney Eliad Shraga, interrupted, shouting at the judges: “They’re lying,” adding: “And you’re buying it.”

When the judges announced a recess and left the courtroom, Shraga was recorded muttering curses at the state and IDF representatives, including: “Liars, cheats,” and other words that are unfit for print.

Justice Noam Solberg called him to order, saying, “Sir, you will respect the place and your colleagues.”

The judges pressed police and Attorney General representatives to increase criminal enforcement. Sohlberg asked directly: “Can you commit to us that the police will resume functioning in Chareidi areas as well?” In response, the Attorney General’s representative promised that a coordination meeting between the army and the police would take place today to create a more effective “enforcement interface.” Justice Barak‑Erez even criticized the police for not holding draft dodgers who are arrested incidentally, stating: “It does not appear that the problem is manpower, but policy.”

Meanwhile, as the hearing was taking place, hundreds of protesters from Peleg Yerushalmi surrounded the Tel HaShomer draft office and attempted to block streets. Chareidim also protest outside the Supreme Court during the hearing.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)