IDF Officer Warns 90,000 Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers Expected Amidst Arrest Freeze Debate

Brigadier General Shay Tayeb, the IDF representative to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, opposed a proposed law to freeze arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers during a committee session on Tuesday. Tayeb argued that enforcement cannot selectively exclude one group under the Security Service Law and estimated that the current draft cycle would include 3,500 ultra-Orthodox recruits out of 70,000 conscription orders issued to the sector.

During the discussion, Tayeb warned that the number of draft dodgers in the ultra-Orthodox community could reach 90,000 within the next year and a half. He cautioned that freezing arrests might consolidate the ultra-Orthodox community against enlistment, emphasizing that enforcement is a key tool alongside motivation, army accommodations, and sanctions to maintain recruitment levels. Tayeb also shared data indicating that 50% of those previously arrested had enlisted, 18% were in recruitment processes, and the remainder were undergoing medical or psychological exemption procedures.

Ultra-Orthodox MK Yaakov Asher mocked Tayeb’s remarks, sarcastically noting Tayeb "is already popping shallow champagne." The proposed law to freeze arrests is part of a political deal between Prime Minister Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, which includes advancing the Basic Law on Torah Study and other legislative priorities in exchange for ultra-Orthodox support on various bills. The law aims to temporarily halt arrests of draft dodgers who have evaded military summons for over 500 days, preventing their detention during routine police encounters.

Legal advisor Miri Frenkel Shur recently stated that the law attempts to create a bypass route to avoid comprehensive legislation regulating yeshiva students’ status. The duration of this temporary order remains undecided. The ultra-Orthodox parties have also committed to supporting a political inquiry committee into the October 7 massacre and other legislative initiatives as part of the broader agreement.

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between enforcing military conscription laws and political compromises with the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel.