Globes Admits Major Error in Haredi Draft Cost Calculation

Globes' "Meshoreket" fact-checking project has issued a significant correction to a previous report concerning the economic cost of the non-drafting of Haredi men into the military. The publication admitted a calculation error in its original assessment, downgrading a claim by opposition leader Yair Lapid from "correct" to "incorrect" and apologizing to readers.

The initial investigation focused on Lapid's assertion that "every working family in the country pays NIS 1,700 per month for draft evasion." Globes had initially estimated this cost at approximately NIS 1,420 per working family per month, rating Lapid's claim as "correct."

However, following an inquiry from Knesset Member Yitzhak Pindrus, who pointed out flaws in the calculation, Globes re-examined the data. The publication then contacted researchers Gilad Cohen Kofech and Dr. Gilad Malach from the Israel Democracy Institute for a revised calculation specifically on the cost of non-conscription of Haredim. They were informed that the direct cost amounts to NIS 3.8 billion annually. This figure includes exemptions for Haredi women, non-service by men, and the cost related to non-reserve duty.

When dividing the annual cost by approximately 2.2 million Israeli households with at least one earner, and then by 12 months, the per-family monthly cost is approximately NIS 144. This is about ten times lower than Globes' initial calculation. Globes explicitly stated, "The Meshoreket's statements are incorrect," clarifying that the cost of Haredi non-conscription is around NIS 144 per month per working family, not NIS 1,420. The correction concludes with an apology for the error and thanks MK Pindrus for bringing it to their attention.