Lieberman Unveils New Draft Law with Harsh Sanctions for Draft Dodgers

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, revealed his party's comprehensive draft law proposal on Friday, intended for Knesset approval immediately after the formation of the next government. The plan mandates that all 18-year-olds, regardless of religion, must report to a recruitment office. It imposes severe financial penalties on draft dodgers and the yeshivas where they study.

Lieberman stated, "The end of draft evasion!" He explained that the proposed law would create two tracks: military and civilian service. Under the Yisrael Beiteinu proposal, every 18-year-old, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians, would be required to present themselves at a recruitment office. Enforcement would rely on financial sanctions rather than imprisonment.

The proposed sanctions include the revocation of the draft dodger's personal allowance and the yeshiva's financial support for that individual. Other penalties include a criminal record, loss of discounts on municipal taxes (Arnona), daycare, and housing, a travel ban, denial of a driver's license, and a prohibition from employment in state service or local authorities.

Lieberman expressed confidence that these sanctions would ensure compliance, stating, "I am sure that after the approval of these sanctions, all draft dodgers will line up at the recruitment office." The bill emerges amidst a heated political debate over the draft status of yeshiva students, a central issue in the upcoming elections. Lieberman and his party have made the draft a cornerstone of their platform, collaborating with center-left parties on forming the next government. These parties have established joint working groups, one of which is focused on drafting the next government's foundational principles, including equal burden-sharing and universal conscription.