Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Families Lose Eligibility for Discounted Housing Program Over Draft Status

Thousands of yeshiva students, married men studying in religious institutions, and young ultra-Orthodox families recently received official notifications from Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing informing them of the immediate cancellation of their eligibility to participate in the government’s "Discounted Apartment" housing lottery program. The cancellations were issued due to unresolved status issues with military draft authorities. This action follows a policy decision made about a month ago by government offices and is now being implemented.

The notices stated, "This message is sent following a system update. Your eligibility to participate in the 'Discounted Apartment' lotteries has been canceled immediately due to unresolved status with the draft authorities." Many affected families had already obtained official eligibility certificates and registered for lottery tracks in various cities.

The ultra-Orthodox political and community leadership reacted with anger, accusing the government of selective enforcement. Representatives from the ultra-Orthodox community described this move as an escalation in an "economic punishment campaign" against Torah scholars, alongside previous measures such as cuts to daycare budgets, reductions in yeshiva funding, and attempts to revoke tax benefits. They argued that denying access to the housing program harms many ultra-Orthodox families who bear significant tax burdens and face high living costs.

Member of Knesset Meir Porush from the United Torah Judaism party condemned the decision, stating, "The land of the Holy Land was given to the Jewish people. Every Jew has a share in this land, and the content of the Housing Ministry’s notice conveys theft from each of us. Every Jew has the right to live in Israel and is therefore entitled to all rights the state grants regarding land."