Ultra-Orthodox Group Petitions High Court for Equal Draft Enforcement

An Israeli organization called 'Emet LeYaakov BeYisrael' has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) demanding that enforcement mechanisms and sanctions for draft evasion be applied equally to all individuals obligated to enlist, not just the ultra-Orthodox community. The petitioners argue that while the ultra-Orthodox public is the primary target of enforcement and benefit revocation, other populations who are also subject to enlistment requirements are not facing similar measures.

The petition centers on a "general conscription order," which mandates enlistment for those reaching draft age, even without a personal summons. The group contends that if the state uses this order to impose sanctions on yeshiva students, it should apply the same principle to other populations. This legal challenge comes after a prolonged period where enforcement against draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men has been a central issue in High Court discussions and legal counsel opinions.

Recently, the Attorney General's office called for expanded enforcement measures against ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, including economic sanctions and proactive arrests. The High Court had previously ruled that the state must take effective action against draft dodgers. In June, Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon stated that following this ruling, the state is required to revoke benefits, such as subsidized daycare, for those who do not regularize their military status.

'Emet LeYaakov BeYisrael' now seeks to extend the principle of equality in the opposite direction. They assert that if failure to enlist under the general order allows the state to deny benefits and impose restrictions on ultra-Orthodox individuals, there is no justification for not applying these same mechanisms to other citizens who, according to the petitioners, are subject to the same enlistment obligation.

The petition further claims that even individuals who believe they are entitled to an exemption must report to the recruitment office to formalize their status. The organization is not seeking to alter the draft policy itself but to ensure uniform application of enforcement measures. Proposed sanctions for equal application include the revocation of property tax discounts, daycare subsidies, public transportation benefits, and housing program advantages.

'Emet LeYaakov BeYisrael' stated, "It is inconceivable that the law is enforced selectively and discriminatorily. If the justice system and the state determine that failure to enlist under a general conscription order leads to economic sanctions and registration as a draft dodger, this rule must apply universally and equally to every citizen of Israel who reaches draft age, without distinction of religion, nationality, or sector. The law is one for all."