Petition Claims Discriminatory IDF Draft Enforcement Against Haredim

An organization named 'Emmet LeYaakov BeYisrael' has filed a new petition with the Supreme Court of Israel, alleging discriminatory enforcement of military conscription laws. The petition argues that the state selectively applies sanctions and conscription policies, particularly targeting the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community while exempting minorities.

According to attorney Yehuda Abeles of 'Emmet LeYaakov BeYisrael', a general order mandates all eligible citizens to report to the recruitment office, even without a personal summons. Abeles stated in an interview that while the Attorney General has ruled that sanctions should only apply to those who fail to report, this is not the reality on the ground. He claims that minorities do not receive personal summonses, do not report under the general order, and face no state sanctions. In contrast, he described a "rigid and draconian enforcement system" against yeshiva students.

Abeles emphasized that since the cancellation of general exemption arrangements, the IDF must examine every citizen individually at the recruitment office and lacks the legal authority to grant blanket exemptions based on group affiliation. He asserted that if the state demands equality, it must apply the general order and all sanctions to all citizens without exception, or alternatively, examine everyone individually.

While acknowledging the realities of the Supreme Court, Abeles stated the organization's goal is to hold the justice system accountable and expose the "discriminatory enforcement focused against the Haredi public."