Israel Accused of Delaying Benefits Cut for Haredi Draft Dodgers

The Israeli government has been delaying for months the revocation of significant benefits, including public transportation and Arnona (municipal property tax) discounts, for Haredi men who evade military service, despite a High Court of Justice order and the professional recommendations of government ministries. The benefits, worth hundreds of shekels monthly, are being withheld despite a High Court ruling in April that mandated the government to examine their removal. Professional assessments from the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance, submitted months ago, found no professional obstacles to revoking these discounts. However, no action has been taken. The government's stated reason for delaying the Arnona discount revocation is the absence of an Interior Minister, though the Prime Minister has assumed the ministry's powers but has not addressed this specific issue. The director-general of the ministry, who lacks the authority to make such a decision, cited unspecified problems. This delay persists despite the belief among relevant officials that revoking these benefits could encourage Haredi men to enlist. The issue comes as the number of draft dodgers has surged to 110,000, with an estimated 80% being from the Haredi community. This increase follows the implementation of tens of thousands of conscription orders and is expected to rise further. Separately, dozens of extremist Haredim blocked Highway 4 near Gan Yavne in protest of draft dodger arrests, leading to police intervention with stun grenades. The Police Commissioner stated that those who disrupt public order will face a firm response.