Israeli Housing Ministry Retracts Demand for Draft Status Declaration from Discounted Apartment Winners

Several ultra-Orthodox Israelis who previously won eligibility to purchase discounted apartments under the "Price for Residents" and "Target Price" programs were recently asked to sign declarations confirming they are not draft evaders. This request came as part of the annual eligibility renewal process, requiring winners to confirm they still meet program conditions. However, the Housing Ministry had not yet decided whether to apply the military draft status condition retroactively to past winners, some of whom secured eligibility years ago.

The demand sparked concern because denying these winners the ability to exercise their rights could lead to legal challenges against the state. The ministry's legal advisors reportedly lean against retroactive disqualification, but no final decision has been made. The draft status condition was introduced starting with the 11th lottery held last month, resulting in about 2,600 households being disqualified from participating due to unresolved military service status.

Following media reports, the Ministry of Housing clarified that the declaration request was sent mistakenly and without official approval. They emphasized that there is currently no change to the rights of those who had valid eligibility at the time they won, and these individuals can still realize their apartment purchases as originally planned. The ministry also committed to reinforcing guidelines with the companies managing eligibility requests to prevent similar errors. Alonim, the company operating the eligibility system for the ministry, acknowledged the mistake and pledged to correct it according to ministry instructions.