IDF Draft Evasion Soars to 110,000, Mostly Ultra-Orthodox
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
The number of draft evaders in the IDF has jumped to 110,000, with 80% identified as ultra-Orthodox. This surge follows new conscription orders, despite a Supreme Court mandate for enforcement. Planned operations have been canceled due to disputes between the police and the IDF over resources and responsibilities, while the military faces critical personnel shortages.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF draft evasion has surged to 110,000 individuals, up from 75,000 in early 2026.
- Approximately 80% of draft evaders are from the ultra-Orthodox community.
- Enforcement against draft evaders has been largely frozen despite a Supreme Court ruling.
- A planned enforcement operation was canceled due to disagreements between the police and the IDF.
- The IDF is facing severe personnel shortages while dealing with widespread draft evasion.
The number of individuals defined as evading mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has surged to 110,000, according to a report by Kan News on Sunday. This figure represents a significant increase from approximately 75,000 at the beginning of 2026. The rise follows the implementation of tens of thousands of conscription orders and is expected to continue.
An estimated 80% of those currently classified as draft dodgers are from the ultra-Orthodox community. Despite this unprecedented number and a Supreme Court ruling mandating enforcement against evaders, actual enforcement has been largely frozen, with only isolated incidents addressed. Recent arrests included 14 ultra-Orthodox and 13 non-ultra-Orthodox draft evaders at Ben Gurion Airport, in addition to others.
A planned enforcement operation for the current month was canceled due to a lack of agreement between the police and the military. The police requested 300 soldiers for assistance, but the IDF refused, stating it was not their role. The situation is characterized as widespread criminality without enforcement, contrary to the Supreme Court's directive, even as the IDF warns of severe personnel shortages.
Further complicating matters, the police refused to provide security for the arrest of ultra-Orthodox deserters, leading to the cancellation of another operation. The article suggests that the decision in upcoming elections could potentially rest with a private in the Military Police.
