Israeli Attorney General Calls to Intensify Enforcement Against Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has urged the government to expand economic and personal enforcement measures against ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) draft dodgers and to resume proactive arrests. This call followed a discussion involving representatives from the IDF, police, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Population Authority, and digital units, reviewing the past year's enforcement of military conscription among yeshiva students.

The meeting highlighted that while there has been an increase in enlistment from the Haredi community, draft evasion remains widespread, with approximately 80% of all draft dodgers coming from this group. Key findings indicated that issuing draft orders to all eligible Haredi individuals, enhanced economic-personal enforcement, and adapting service tracks have proven effective in raising enlistment numbers.

In a statement, Baharav-Miara emphasized the urgent need to broaden economic sanctions, including penalties related to childcare subsidies and housing assistance, to further reduce draft evasion. She also stressed the importance of the IDF and police conducting proactive operations and arrests across all population sectors to uphold equality and deter evasion. Additionally, increased digital cooperation between the military and other government bodies is recommended to tighten enforcement.

These measures aim to address the pressing security need to enlarge the Israeli military and ensure fair conscription enforcement across society.