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 came following a discussion involving Baharav-Miara, representatives from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the police, and various government ministries, reviewing the implementation of conscription policies over the past year.

The meeting highlighted that while there has been an increase in enlistment among 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 enforcement including economic sanctions, and adapting service tracks have proven effective in raising enlistment numbers.

In an official statement, the Attorney General emphasized the urgent need to broaden the range of economic enforcement tools, such as sanctions related to childcare subsidies and housing assistance. 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, the statement recommended increasing digital cooperation between the military and other state agencies to strengthen enforcement measures. These steps aim to address the security necessity of expanding the military and reducing draft evasion among the ultra-Orthodox community.