Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has characterized the emerging U.S.-Iran deal as divine punishment linked to Israel’s recent enforcement actions against haredi draft evaders. Speaking on Saturday evening in Rishon Lezion, Yosef asserted that the shift in U.S. policy, led by President Donald Trump, reflects a backlash against Israeli efforts to crack down on draft evasion among the haredi community.

Yosef specifically criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has been directing a crackdown on ultra-Orthodox men avoiding mandatory military service, describing her in harsh terms as a “wicked woman.” He accused government authorities of lacking judgment by increasing arrests of Torah scholars rather than supporting them, suggesting the U.S. stance had soured due to these policies.

The recent enforcement measures have intensified tensions within Israeli society. Police activity to apprehend draft evaders has triggered widespread protests across haredi neighborhoods, disrupting daily commutes and prompting calls from haredi Members of Knesset (MKs) to halt cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The haredi political factions, primarily Shas and United Torah Judaism, have been vocal in their opposition, demanding legislative changes to protect the status of yeshiva students exempt from military service.

These parties have successfully advanced a controversial bill aiming to elevate Torah study to the status of a Basic Law. Proponents argue the legislation safeguards religious study exemptions, while critics contend it promotes draft evasion by legally reinforcing the nonservice status of yeshiva students. The bill passed its preliminary reading in June after securing government support.

In parallel, haredi-backed legislation regarding state daycare subsidies has also progressed. This law intends to base subsidy eligibility solely on maternal income, which opponents argue could indirectly support families of draft evaders by providing additional state benefits. The threat from haredi factions to withhold coalition votes unless these bills proceed has caused delays in other legislative business.

Shas chairman Arye Deri, alongside party colleagues MK Michael Malkieli and Education Ministry official Haim Biton, recently visited incarcerated haredi draft evaders at Neveh Tzedek Military Prison. According to Shas, the visit aimed to offer moral support and reaffirm the party’s commitment to securing the detainees’ release and formalizing their status under the new legislation.

The U.S.-led negotiations concerning Iran remain sensitive, as reflected in reports from Switzerland that the Iranian delegation declined to participate in a joint photo opportunity and restricted media access during meetings. Past interactions have seen Iran resist direct talks with the United States, underscoring ongoing diplomatic complexities.