JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the Tal Law, which allows yeshiva students to delay their military service, is unconstitutional.
The court issued the ruling Tuesday evening by a vote of 6 to 3.
The law, named for retired Supreme Court justice Tzvi Tal and enacted in 2002 under then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, allows full-time yeshiva students to delay their army service until age 23. At that time, students either can continue to study full time or perform a shortened army service or a year of national service. Afterward they may choose to join the workforce.
Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a Cabinet vote on extending the law, which is set to expire in August.
Barak, now the defense minister, reportedly welcomed Tuesday night's verdict. He has said that he would like to end the Tal Law and have a fairer system put into place.
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