Israeli Attorney General Calls for Expanded Enforcement Against Draft-Dodging Ultra-Orthodox

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has called for an expansion of enforcement measures against ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who are required to serve in the military but evade conscription. This directive emerged from a recent discussion she chaired, which included representatives from the IDF, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Israel Police, Population Authority, and digital units. Despite an increase in the number of ultra-Orthodox recruits, the majority of those who avoid conscription, about 80%, are from this community.

The meeting reviewed the past year’s conscription enforcement and the implementation of Supreme Court decisions. Officials noted that issuing draft orders to all eligible ultra-Orthodox individuals, combined with enhanced economic and personal sanctions and tailored service tracks, has proven effective in raising enlistment numbers. However, Baharav-Miara emphasized that these efforts are insufficient and recommended broadening the scope of economic and personal enforcement measures promptly to meet security needs and increase army size.

In addition to economic sanctions, the Attorney General urged the IDF and police to resume proactive field operations and arrests targeting draft evaders across all population sectors, in line with equality principles. The discussion concluded with a directive for the IDF and police to submit a detailed enforcement plan by August 30. Authorities are also tasked with reviewing enforcement at border crossings and expanding civil-economic sanctions against those who have not regularized their status.

This comprehensive approach aims to further increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment rates by combining legal, economic, and operational enforcement tools, reflecting ongoing government efforts to address military conscription challenges within this community.