Israeli Military Draft Evasion Climbs to 110,000, Haredim Make Up 80%

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 operations. This is occurring amidst efforts by Haredi parties to pass legislation exempting religious seminary students from military service. Arrests have been limited, with detentions at Ben Gurion Airport and the apprehension of 14 Haredim and 13 non-Haredim in random operations. A planned enforcement operation this month was canceled due to a dispute between the police and the Israeli military over the provision of military forces to support the police; the police requested 300 soldiers, but the military refused, deeming the task outside its purview. The conscription crisis coincides with renewed Haredi protests against the induction of seminary students and the imprisonment of those refusing service. Dozens of protesters blocked a section of Highway 4 in central Israel on Sunday, protesting the jailing of two young Haredim. The Haredi conscription crisis has worsened since the expiration of exemption arrangements for seminary students, while disagreements persist within Israel over legislation to regulate their status. Haredi parties are demanding a permanent exemption for Torah students, while the military warns of manpower shortages, and the Supreme Court insists on the law's application without discrimination.