Israeli Tax Authority Demands Ultra-Orthodox Yeshivas Certify No Draft Dodgers to Receive Tax Exemptions

The Israeli Tax Authority has sent letters to dozens of ultra-Orthodox yeshivas instructing them that to qualify for tax exemptions on donations, they must certify that no students enrolled are draft dodgers who have not regularized their status with the military. The yeshivas are required to submit a full list of their students, including names and ID numbers, in an Excel file as part of this commitment. The directive follows a legal opinion from the Attorney General's office issued in late May, which mandated the Tax Authority to prevent indirect funding benefits to institutions harboring students who avoid military service.

The letter explicitly states that tax credits cannot be granted to religious institutions that include students who have not complied with military service laws. A signed declaration from an authorized board member is also required, confirming the absence of such students and a commitment not to admit any in the future.

This move has sparked strong opposition from Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, who warned that the policy would push the ultra-Orthodox community to the brink, potentially leading to tax rebellion, alienation from law enforcement, and deep societal rifts. Deri called on Prime Minister Netanyahu and right-wing party leaders to oppose what he described as a "criminal persecution" of Torah students, emphasizing the risk to the unity of the right-wing bloc.

The Tax Authority's enforcement follows the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's directive to crack down on indirect funding routes for yeshivas that enroll draft dodgers, establishing a special team to oversee compliance. The issue remains a flashpoint in Israeli politics, reflecting ongoing tensions between the state and the ultra-Orthodox community over military conscription.