not everywhere· Security· Updated 08:45

Israel's Legal Advisor Seeks to Revoke Benefits for Draft Dodgers

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara informed the High Court of Justice on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that 110,330 individuals are evading mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces. She criticized the state's enforcement efforts, stating that authorities are far from acting with their full capacity to combat the widespread phenomenon.

13 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 21 Oct, 17:41

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What happened

01Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reported to the High Court of Justice that 110,330 individuals are evading mandatory IDF service.
02The Attorney General urged the court to impose economic sanctions on draft evaders, including revoking tax benefits and public transport discounts.
03The state criticized its own enforcement efforts, stating it is far from utilizing its full capacity against draft evasion.
04A planned joint enforcement operation in October was postponed due to disputes between the police and the IDF over arrest personnel.
05Haredi enlistment rose by 65 percent, but the figures remain insufficient to meet the current needs of the military.
06Out of 419 indictments filed against draft evaders in 2026, 51 were against ultra-Orthodox individuals, according to Behadrei Haredim.

The update was submitted as part of ongoing legal proceedings regarding the conscription of Haredi men, who make up the majority of the draft evaders. While Haredi enlistment has risen by 65 percent, the numbers remain insufficient to meet the army's needs. Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gila Limon emphasized that the lack of proactive enforcement is incompatible with security needs, equality, and legal obligations.

To address the issue, the Attorney General urged the court to consider implementing economic sanctions, such as denying tax benefits and public transport discounts to draft evaders. The state has not yet formulated a clear policy for revoking these benefits, despite a court ruling on the matter ten months ago.

The report also revealed significant difficulties in cooperation between the IDF and the police. A joint enforcement operation planned for October was postponed after the police requested hundreds of soldiers to assist with arrests, a demand the IDF deemed unfeasible. According to Behadrei Haredim, 419 indictments have been filed against draft evaders in 2026, with 51 of them being ultra-Orthodox.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 9 newsrooms. Updated 07:33