IDF, Police Halt Initiative Arrests of Draft Dodgers Against Court Order

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Police have ceased initiating arrests of draft dodgers, a move that reportedly contradicts a Supreme Court ruling. Senior law enforcement officials cited fear of protests from the ultra-Orthodox community as the reason for this change in policy. In April, the Supreme Court issued a clear directive mandating significant enforcement and proactive operations against draft dodgers, warning that a lack of arrests due to fear of confrontation sends a dangerous message that the legal system can be circumvented.

Following the court's ruling, arrests did commence, leading to protests within the ultra-Orthodox sector. However, in the past two months, the decision was made to halt proactive arrest operations. Most arrests have since occurred at Ben Gurion Airport. The state is required to respond to the Supreme Court by October 15th, presenting relevant data, and judges are unlikely to accept the current policy.

Earlier this month, Knesset members Efrat Reiten, Ram Ben Barak, Orly Frachman-Hacohen, andoded Forer sent a letter to the Military Advocate General, Major General Itai Ofir, demanding clarification and data on draft dodger arrests and enforcement actions since the beginning of 2026. They argued that enforcing service obligations equitably is crucial for the IDF's ability to recruit and for maintaining fairness towards hundreds of thousands of conscripts and reservists bearing the security burden. The lawmakers have not yet received a response.

The IDF Spokesperson stated that the claim of halting operations is incorrect, asserting that the Military Police conducts proactive enforcement in necessary population centers with police escort and at border crossings, in line with its mission. The IDF has increased personnel and readiness for arresting draft evaders at various border crossings and will continue to enforce the law equally against all offenders.