Israel Expands Tax Sanctions on Haredi Yeshivas Hosting Draft Dodgers

Israel's Tax Authority has broadened economic sanctions against Haredi educational institutions that enroll yeshiva students evading mandatory military service. Recently, about 1,000 letters were sent to Haredi institutions demanding a clear declaration that no draft-dodging students attend their yeshivas. Failure to comply will result in revoking their tax-exempt status on donations, potentially costing them hundreds of millions of shekels annually.

Previously, these sanctions applied only to new yeshivas requesting tax benefits under Section 46 without valid prior approvals. Now, the policy extends to all Haredi yeshivas and educational institutions, including those with existing tax exemption certificates. Institutions must confirm that no students who are draft evaders or deserters from the Israel Defense Forces study there, and that all students have regularized their military status.

Non-compliance will lead to immediate cancellation of tax exemption approvals, which allow donors to receive tax credits. This is expected to sharply reduce donations to affected yeshivas. Institutions must also pledge not to admit any student without proper military status documentation, such as a deferment, exemption, discharge, or scheduled enlistment date. They are required to submit detailed student lists with identification numbers and addresses.

The Haredi community fears that these new restrictions could force yeshivas reliant on donations to close if they admit draft evaders starting this year. The move reflects ongoing tensions between the Israeli government and the Haredi sector over military conscription obligations.