Israeli Housing Ministry Bars Draft-Dodging Haredim From Affordable Housing Lottery

The Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing announced on Wednesday that Haredi candidates registered for discounted housing lotteries have been disqualified from participation due to their status as draft evaders. The ministry cited a Supreme Court ruling and a decision by the Israel Land Authority, stating that starting May 24, 2026, eligibility for the "Apartment at a Discount" lotteries requires that neither the individual nor their spouse be classified by the IDF as draft-dodgers who have not regularized their status. According to IDF data, some candidates are defined as having "not regularized their status," leading to their removal from the lottery lists within two days of notification.

This measure follows the Supreme Court's directive to the government to intensify enforcement against Haredi draft evaders who study Torah and avoid military service. As part of this new policy, five key benefits for Haredim have been revoked without extending similar measures to other non-enlisting groups. These revoked benefits include participation in the "Price for Residents" housing lotteries, subsidies for higher education tuition, discounts on after-school programs, public transportation subsidies, and reductions in municipal tax payments.

The ministry's announcement marks a significant tightening of economic incentives linked to military service compliance, specifically targeting the Haredi sector. The government aims to pressure draft evaders by removing substantial social and economic privileges, reinforcing the legal and administrative framework to enforce conscription laws.