Retired General Moti Almuz Proposes Separate IDs for Military Service and Draft Evasion

Retired Major General Moti Almuz, former IDF spokesperson and head of the Civil Administration, called for a clear distinction between those who serve in the military and draft evaders by issuing different identity cards. Speaking in an interview on 103fm, Almuz emphasized the need to place the issue of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) enlistment at the center of public discourse, criticizing the current policy of funding Haredim who do not serve in the army. "The problem is that the Haredim have no desire to work or serve in the military. It is time to put this issue at the forefront of public debate," he said.

Almuz argued that all previous attempts to resolve the issue have failed and suggested reversing the approach by stopping financial support for those who refuse to enlist, stating, "We need to tell them we are done chasing after you; now you must chase after us. We are done funding you." He criticized the current democratic system for tolerating what he called an "idol" that harms citizens and called for a new arrangement. Almuz also highlighted the lack of motivation among yeshiva students to work or serve, saying, "As long as yeshiva heads say you don't need to work, what incentive is there to do so?"

He expressed confidence in the Zionist sector's commitment to reserve duty and described Israeli society as healthy but unwilling to continue tolerating the "disgrace" of the Haredi exemption. Almuz accused the coalition government of ignoring public sentiment. Regarding leadership, he condemned the Knesset's approval of the Basic Law on Torah Study, calling it discriminatory and a factor that has effectively changed Israel's governance.