IDF Chief Warns Netanyahu Against Law Freezing Draft Enforcement for Haredi Draft Dodgers

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir sent an unusual letter on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth. Zamir urged them to remove a clause from the draft enforcement freeze law that assigns the IDF the authority to determine who qualifies as a yeshiva student and thus receives immunity from enforcement actions. He cited three main reasons for his opposition: damage to the legitimacy and trust among soldiers, the IDF's lack of professional advantage in assessing exemption criteria, and diversion of attention and resources amid ongoing warfare.

The letter came after the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the bill for second and third readings, just before its expected final approval in the Knesset plenum. Zamir emphasized that the IDF had already expressed opposition during committee discussions, warning the law would not increase enlistment but rather incentivize draft evasion. He noted the law was proposed during a multi-front conflict while the IDF faces a severe manpower shortage directly impacting operational capabilities.

Zamir strongly objected to the mechanism establishing a three-officer committee within the IDF to verify yeshiva student status and grant enforcement freezes. He argued this would undermine the army's legitimacy and trust among soldiers bearing the combat burden. He stressed the IDF lacks the expertise to assess the technical criteria for exemption, which are based on affidavits and documentation unrelated to military or security evaluations.

Additionally, Zamir warned that forming and operating this committee would consume critical manpower and senior commanders' attention during wartime, creating a heavy organizational burden and distracting from operational missions. He requested that if the law passes, the exemption committee mechanism be removed.

The bill aims to prevent arrests, investigations, and enforcement actions against Haredi draft dodgers recognized as yeshiva students until November 30, with possible extensions due to upcoming elections. It is part of a political deal between Netanyahu and Haredi parties ahead of Knesset dissolution, alongside other laws benefiting these parties.

Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot and political leaders including former PM Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman criticized the government for ignoring the IDF's warnings. They condemned the law as damaging to the army and national security. Religious-nationalist reservists also called on the government to heed Zamir's warnings, describing the law as undermining enforcement and harming soldiers and Israel's security.