MK Gafni Accuses Israeli Attorney General of Corruption Amid Expanded Draft Enforcement

On Tuesday evening, Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party, launched a severe attack on Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of acting beyond her authority and violating the law. Gafni declared that yeshiva students will continue their Torah studies undeterred despite the government's recent enforcement measures targeting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders. He described Baharav-Miara as "impudent, corrupt, and acting contrary to the law."

This confrontation follows the Attorney General's call to intensify enforcement actions against ultra-Orthodox men obligated to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. In a recent inter-agency meeting involving representatives from the IDF, Ministry of Defense, police, and other government bodies, Baharav-Miara advocated expanding economic and personal sanctions against draft evaders. The meeting concluded with a decision to increase proactive enforcement operations and arrests to uphold the principle of equality.

Furthermore, the IDF and police were instructed to submit a comprehensive enforcement plan by August 30. Authorities were also tasked with reviewing enforcement at border crossings and considering broader civil and economic measures against those who have not regularized their draft status. Despite a rise in enlistment numbers among the ultra-Orthodox community, the government aims to accelerate pressure on those avoiding conscription.

Gafni's remarks underscore the ongoing tension between the ultra-Orthodox political leadership and the state's efforts to enforce mandatory military service among their community. The dispute highlights the broader societal and legal challenges surrounding conscription in Israel.