Israeli Government Secretary Criticizes Enforcement Policy Against Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evasion

Yossi Fox, Israel's Government Secretary, criticized the enforcement measures against draft evasion in the ultra-Orthodox community, arguing that the policy backfired. Speaking at a conference marking 21 years since the evacuation of Gush Katif, Fox said that random arrests led to a backlash among families, with parents refusing to send other children to school in protest, undermining the policy's goals.

Fox also addressed the relationship between the government and the Attorney General's office, claiming that legal advisers imposed unusual obstacles on government work. He stated that while most government decisions do not require legal approval, in critical cases the Attorney General's office independently blocked policies by invoking legal arguments, even when these did not contradict existing laws.

Regarding the draft law, Fox revealed that the government had worked for nearly two years on legislation aimed at increasing ultra-Orthodox enlistment. The proposed law included stricter measures such as mandatory IDF service only and personal sanctions affecting housing, public transportation, and daycare. However, Fox said that Rabbi Lando ultimately blocked the law, preventing its passage.