Israeli Attorney General Demands Expanded Enforcement Against Draft Dodgers, Majority Haredi

The Israeli Attorney General, Adv. Gali Baharav-Miara, chaired a follow-up discussion on enforcing military conscription and implementing Supreme Court rulings, concluding that despite an increase in Haredi enlistment, draft evasion remains widespread with about 80% of draft dodgers from the Haredi community. The meeting, held in early August 2026, included representatives from the IDF, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Israel Police, Population Authority, and the Digital Directorate, reviewing recruitment data for the year ending June 30, 2026.

According to IDF figures, 4,298 Haredim enlisted in the past year, up from 2,811 the previous year, marking a 31% increase in Haredi soldiers. Factors contributing to this rise include issuing conscription orders to all eligible individuals, civil-economic enforcement measures, criminal enforcement, and expanding dedicated service tracks for Haredim. However, the Ministry of Finance noted that expectations of legislation exempting yeshiva students from service and canceling enforcement measures have negatively impacted recruitment incentives.

Data presented showed 60,217 individuals declared draft evaders, with approximately 50,000 from the Haredi sector. Additionally, around 101,000 individuals had conscription orders issued or were declared evaders, a rise of about 59,000 compared to the previous year. Since January 1, 2026, 348 indictments were filed against draft evaders, only 34 against those believed to be Haredi, reflecting fewer arrests in Haredi communities due to large-scale disturbances during enforcement actions.

From August 2025 to July 2026, 679 Haredi conscripts faced disciplinary proceedings for unauthorized absence. The military police conducted 860 proactive arrests across the population, with 244 deserters and evaders detained by the Israel Police and then transferred to military custody. Enforcement at border crossings also intensified, with 1,528 evaders detained, 298 barred from leaving, and 27 arrested.

The Attorney General emphasized that the increase in Haredi enlistment still falls short of national security needs and does not sufficiently reduce inequality in the conscription burden. She called for stronger, equitable enforcement, including expanding economic sanctions and renewing proactive arrest campaigns. A detailed enforcement plan is due by August 30, 2026. The Digital Directorate has launched a system enabling government ministries to access IDF data on draft evaders to implement court-ordered benefit suspensions, such as withholding after-school program eligibility and housing assistance, measures considered effective in encouraging enlistment.