Israeli Employment Office Affirms No Discrimination Against Draft Dodgers Working Election Day

Ahead of Israel's 26th Knesset elections, the Employment Service clarified that it prohibits discrimination against job seekers based on their military status, including draft dodgers among ultra-Orthodox youth. This statement came after inquiries about whether young Haredim who have not regularized their military status can work at polling stations on election day. The Employment Service emphasized it does not examine military status when sending workers and strictly forbids requesting or using military profiles in employment decisions, in accordance with the Employment Service Law.

However, the Central Elections Committee (CEC) sets specific eligibility criteria for election-related roles, including prohibitions on political affiliations and certain criminal convictions. The Employment Service cannot intervene in these legal requirements or employment relations. The CEC highlighted its commitment to broad public participation in election duties such as polling station secretaries, election integrity supervisors, committee members, and observers, all subject to legal conditions. It also stressed that polling stations must remain neutral zones without considerations unrelated to proper election conduct.

This clarification follows a joint effort by the CEC and Employment Service to recruit thousands of workers for various election roles, including logistics, technical support, administration, and polling station management. A dedicated website and direct outreach to job seekers nationwide support this recruitment. Notably, the CEC announced that no enforcement actions against draft dodgers will occur on election day to ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballots without fear. Employment on election day remains governed by the CEC's legal eligibility rules.