Israel's Attorney General Rules on Housing Benefits for Draft Dodgers

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has decided that Haredi men who evaded military service and won housing lotteries will retain their eligibility for discounted apartments. The decision specifies that current sanctions, which prevent draft dodgers from entering housing lotteries, will not be applied retroactively.

This means that individuals who are obligated to enlist but have won a lottery will be able to sign a contract for a discounted apartment. However, those who are awaiting their turn to sign a contract can only do so if their eligibility certificate is still valid. If the certificate has expired, it will not be renewed for those who have evaded conscription.

Previously, in April, the High Court of Justice ruled that a series of benefits for Haredi draft dodgers, including eligibility for discounted housing, property tax reductions, and public transportation discounts, must be canceled. Following this, Baharav-Miara issued directives outlining sanctions against draft evaders, such as the removal of property tax discounts, public transportation benefits, rent assistance, and subsidies for purchasing apartments.

The Military Advocate General recently informed the Attorney General that harsher penalties against draft dodgers are expected to be implemented within approximately two months.