IDF Halts Proactive Arrests of Haredi Draft Dodgers, Aiding Netanyahu Campaign

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly scaled back proactive operations to arrest Haredi men evading military service, a move that appears to benefit Prime Minister Netanyahu and his coalition. According to IDF data, 83% of those evading security service are Haredi. This shift in IDF policy comes despite a High Court of Justice ruling in early September that enabled the military and police to resume proactive arrests of Haredi draft dodgers. The court had canceled a law hastily passed by the coalition before the Knesset's dispersal, which had frozen such arrests. Instead of initiating arrests, the IDF is now reportedly limiting its actions to apprehensions at border crossings based on population registry records. Critics suggest this approach serves the interests of Netanyahu and his government, who prefer to downplay public discussion on the sensitive issue of Haredi conscription. The IDF stated, "We will continue to act with determination for equitable enforcement against all lawbreakers."