Israeli Attorney General Demands Increased Enforcement Against Draft Dodgers Amid Police Reluctance

The Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has called for intensified enforcement and proactive arrests of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) draft dodgers to address the ongoing issue of military draft evasion. In a statement issued on August 20, 2026, she emphasized the urgent need to expand personal economic enforcement measures and resume targeted operations against draft evaders from all sectors of the population.

Despite this directive, both the Israeli Police and the military appear reluctant to fully implement these measures. The police have distanced themselves from responsibility, stating that enforcement against draft evasion is primarily the responsibility of the military police. They also indicated a preference to avoid high-tension confrontations, maintaining only occasional arrests at key transit points such as government offices and Ben Gurion Airport. A military source confirmed that focused arrest operations are currently not planned, and the police are not actively involved in such efforts.

This stance marks a significant step back by the police, who now see their role mainly as providing support rather than leading enforcement actions. The military, meanwhile, has acknowledged a recent decline in arrests but plans to increase them later in the year through coordinated proactive operations with police assistance.

Data presented during a recent government discussion revealed that while enlistment numbers among the Haredi community have risen, from 2,811 in the previous recruitment year to 4,298 in 2025, draft evasion remains widespread, with approximately 80% of all draft dodgers coming from this group. The Attorney General highlighted that expanded economic enforcement and tailored service tracks have contributed to the increase in enlistment.

In response to media inquiries, police spokespersons reiterated their commitment to assist the military as required but confirmed no change in current enforcement policies. The situation reflects a gap between the Attorney General's demands for stricter enforcement and the practical reluctance of security forces to escalate operations against draft evaders.

Summary: Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has demanded increased enforcement and proactive arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. However, the police have shifted responsibility to the military and avoid high-conflict operations, resulting in limited enforcement despite rising enlistment numbers. The military plans to increase arrests later in coordination with police support.

Points: - Attorney General demands expanded enforcement and proactive arrests of Haredi draft evaders. - Police refuse primary responsibility, citing military police jurisdiction and avoiding confrontations. - Military currently conducts limited arrests but plans to increase operations later this year. - Enlistment among Haredim rose to 4,298 in 2025, yet 80% of draft evaders remain from this group. - Police state they will assist military but maintain current low enforcement posture. - The enforcement gap persists despite government directives and rising enlistment figures.