Israeli Legal Advisor Highlights 80% Draft Evasion Among Ultra-Orthodox Despite Increased IDF Recruitment

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara addressed a discussion on enforcing mandatory military conscription, noting that although overall enlistment numbers have risen, approximately 80% of draft evaders remain from the ultra-Orthodox community. She emphasized that issuing draft orders to all eligible ultra-Orthodox individuals, enhanced enforcement measures including economic sanctions, and adapting service tracks have proven effective in boosting recruitment.

Baharav-Miara called for expanding personal economic enforcement actions and urged the military and police to resume proactive operations and arrests of draft evaders across all population sectors, stressing the importance of equality and deterrence. Last month, she submitted a letter to the Supreme Court opposing petitions against a law that freezes arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, describing the legislation as a "flawed and harmful legislative arrangement" that fails legal standards and should be annulled.

Following the submission, the Supreme Court issued an interim injunction suspending the law's implementation, with a panel led by Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Solberg promising a prompt final ruling. The law effectively halts all criminal enforcement actions against ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, including arrests and investigations.

Ahead of a related hearing, attorney Tomer Naor from the Movement for Quality Government criticized the coalition lawmakers for supporting the law, highlighting the sacrifices of Israeli soldiers on multiple fronts and condemning the legislation for protecting draft evaders and criminals from legal accountability. He pledged continued efforts to repeal the law.