Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Refuses to Call for Haredi IDF Draft

Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri stated that he does not need to call on Haredim who do not study Torah to enlist in the IDF, asserting that the army "knows how to deal with it." Deri made these remarks in an interview with Kol Barama radio, suggesting the military prefers a secular army and is not interested in soldiers who follow rabbis. He claimed the army has not been proactive in seeking additional soldiers until recently, when the need for border security became apparent after the concept of a "small, technological army" proved insufficient.

Deri further argued that the integration of Haredim into the military is not his responsibility, but rather depends on the decision of rabbis after the status of Torah scholars is settled. He criticized a proposal by Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, which would allow a portion of Haredi men to study Torah while others would be drafted, questioning the authority to decide who studies and who serves. Deri emphasized his party's commitment to protecting the right of those who wish to study Torah to do so.

When asked about advice for a Haredi man not studying Torah, Deri deferred, stating that "as long as there are no real tracks in the army," and suggesting that "the great rabbis of Israel" should be consulted, even though the IDF has established the Haredi 'Hasmonean' infantry brigade with accommodations for religious observance. The brigade saw its first enlistment day on January 5, 2025, with approximately 50 Haredi recruits.

Despite efforts and tailored programs, the Attorney General informed the High Court of Justice on August 18, 2026, that Haredi draft numbers have increased due to sanctions and adapted tracks, yet approximately 80% of draft dodgers remain Haredi. In 2025, 4,298 Haredim enlisted, up from 2,811 the previous year, an increase attributed to economic sanctions, arrests, and tailored military programs.

Deri also criticized Haredi factions sending children to state-recognized Haredi schools (MMaH) that teach core curriculum subjects, alleging a broader agenda to change the nature of Haredi education and raise children who do not follow rabbinical authority. He stated that this is the "real struggle" for the education of Israeli children.

Reactions to Deri's statements were swift. Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Hatnuah party, accused Deri of harming IDF soldiers while Netanyahu "fabricates blood libels" against commanders, stating Deri has no place in a government making decisions about soldiers. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, called Deri the "number one encourager of draft evasion" and suggested Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would be turning in his grave. Gadi Eisenkot directly addressed Deri, stating that the era of mass draft evasion under government protection is ending and that his party will pass a "real draft law" that respects Torah scholars.