Israeli Attorney General Orders Tougher Enforcement Against Draft Evasion Among Haredi Yeshiva Students

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has called for intensified enforcement measures against draft evasion among Haredi yeshiva students. Following a follow-up discussion on implementing the Supreme Court ruling on military conscription, she instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and police to resume proactive arrests of draft evaders. Baharav-Miara acknowledged an increase in Haredi enlistment but noted that approximately 80% of all draft evaders are from the Haredi community, indicating widespread evasion remains.

The discussion, held earlier this month with representatives from the IDF, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Israeli Police, Population Authority, and Digital Directorate, reviewed conscription data for the year ending June 30, 2026. The IDF reported that 4,298 Haredi individuals enlisted in the past year, up from 2,811 the previous year, marking a 31% increase in Haredi soldiers. Officials attributed this rise to four main factors: issuing draft orders to all eligible Haredi conscripts, enhanced civil and economic enforcement, criminal enforcement, and expanding dedicated service tracks for Haredim.

However, Ministry of Finance officials warned that expectations for legislation exempting yeshiva students from personal draft obligations and abolishing enforcement measures have created a significant negative incentive for enlistment. The Attorney General emphasized the need for equal enforcement of conscription duties by the IDF and police. The military and police were tasked with submitting a detailed enforcement plan by August 30 outlining proactive actions against draft evaders.

This move signals a renewed government effort to address draft evasion in the Haredi sector through stricter legal and enforcement frameworks, aiming to uphold the Supreme Court's conscription ruling and increase Haredi participation in national service.