Ariel Kallner, a Likud member of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, stated on July 7, 2026, that he opposes the arrest of yeshiva students for draft evasion. Kallner advocated for economic sanctions and online recruitment as alternative methods for Haredi enlistment.

"I don't think arresting yeshiva students is the right way," Kallner said. "Anyone who is an expert and deals with Haredi recruitment understands that mass arrests will not provide the solution." He added, "Everyone understands that if you arrest masses right now, you won't succeed in filling the prisons."

"The only way is economic sanctions," Kallner said. "I always expect everyone to enroll." He outlined a specific approach: "The right way is to create an online recruitment method, to appropriate frameworks within the military, and to implement personal and institutional sanctions as needed." He stated, "That is the process that will ultimately lead to enlistment."

Kallner expressed his view on the relationship between service and study: "As someone who strongly believes in the value of military service and also in the value of Torah study, I believe they go together." He drew on his own background, noting, "As someone who served as a combat soldier in Golani, I saw that when there is no motivation, and people are problematic, they become a burden on the system."

He elaborated on the challenges of recruiting from specific demographics. "This is even more true when dealing with soldiers who come from unsupportive communities, for whom this matter is currently foreign and frightening," Kallner said. He cautioned against expecting immediate results from forceful measures. "This won't be solved in one fell swoop, even if you hit hard," he said. "If you want combat soldiers, you ultimately need to create a supportive environment."