An Israeli ministerial committee has approved a new law which includes criminal sanctions against Orthodox men who dodge the draft.

The legislation was approved on Wednesday following two days of fiery exchanges between members of Knesset.

The draft proposes that yehivah students in full-time Torah study must enlist with the IDF or register for civil service by the age of 21. Only 1,800 top yeshivah students will be exempt from this rule.

According to the new proposal, Orthodox men who do not enlist by this time will be considered draft dodgers and face criminal punishment.

The bill has been sent to the Knesset where it will be voted on.