Israeli Military Draft Dodgers Reach 110,000, Haredim Form 80%
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Approximately 110,000 individuals in Israel are now classified as draft evaders, with 80% being ultra-Orthodox Jews. This number has increased significantly since early 2026. Despite Supreme Court orders for enforcement and penalties, political hurdles and disputes between security forces, like the IDF and police, impede conscription efforts. The government is also delaying decisions on revoking benefits for draft evaders, such as transport and property tax discounts, amidst ongoing protests and legal challenges.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Around 110,000 Israelis are evading military service, with 80% being ultra-Orthodox Jews.
- The number of draft evaders has increased significantly since early 2026.
- Political and security obstacles hinder the enforcement of conscription laws.
- An IDF-police dispute led to the cancellation of a planned enforcement operation.
- The government is delaying decisions on revoking benefits for draft evaders.
- Haredi parties are pushing for legislation to exempt seminary students from service.
The number of individuals classified as evading mandatory military service in Israel has risen to approximately 110,000, with ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim, constituting about 80% of this total. This figure represents a significant increase from around 75,000 at the start of 2026, as tens of thousands of conscription orders have been implemented. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation "Kan 11" reported that the number is expected to grow further.
Despite Israeli Supreme Court rulings mandating legal enforcement and imposing criminal and economic penalties on draft evaders, political and security obstacles continue to hinder conscription and arrest procedures. This is occurring amid efforts by Haredi parties to pass legislation exempting seminary students from military service. Arrests have been limited, including at Ben Gurion Airport and in random operations that apprehended 14 Haredim and 13 non-Haredim.
An enforcement operation planned for this month was canceled due to a dispute between the police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over military support. The police requested 300 soldiers, but the IDF refused, deeming the task outside its purview. The conscription crisis coincides with renewed Haredi protests against the drafting of seminary students and the imprisonment of those refusing service.
In response to the imprisonment of two young Haredim, dozens of protesters blocked a road in central Israel on Sunday. The Haredi conscription crisis has worsened since the expiration of exemption arrangements for seminary students, while disagreements persist within Israel regarding legislation to regulate their status. Haredi parties advocate for a permanent exemption for Torah students, while the IDF warns of manpower shortages, and the Supreme Court insists on applying the law without discrimination.
The Israeli government has repeatedly postponed decisions on revoking benefits for draft evaders, including public transport and property tax discounts. This delay comes despite a Supreme Court ruling in April that compelled the government to consider ending these privileges, which can amount to hundreds of shekels per individual and family monthly. While professional assessments by the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance indicated no professional obstacles to halting public transport discounts, no action has been taken. The government cites the absence of an Interior Minister for the delay in addressing property tax discounts, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assumed the ministry's powers without resolving the issue.
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