Full Breakdown
Government's Struggle to Enforce Draft Law for Ultra-Orthodox Community
2/25/2026, 2:07:02 AM
Current Enforcement Challenges
Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara informed the High Court of Justice that the Israeli government has not yet developed a plan to revoke personal economic benefits from ultra-Orthodox (haredi) draft dodgers. This admission comes despite evidence suggesting that financial sanctions could effectively increase compliance with military service obligations. The update was submitted ahead of a compliance hearing, highlighting the government's failure to adhere to a previous High Court ruling mandating equal enforcement of the draft law, particularly after the expiration of deferments for yeshiva students.
The High Court had previously ordered the government to adopt meaningful enforcement measures within 45 days, including potential criminal proceedings against draft evaders. However, as of February 15, 2026, the number of haredi individuals declared as draft evaders surged from 2,257 in July 2025 to 16,880, with those ordered to report for service increasing from 3,732 to 22,196 during the same period.
Government's Response and Internal Disputes
In response to the attorney-general's submission, the Movement for Quality Government, a petitioning group, accused the government of defying the court's ruling and called for immediate enforcement of the draft law. They emphasized the need to cease all benefits to draft evaders and to enlist the approximately 110,000 yeshiva students obligated to serve. Government Secretary Yossi Fox criticized the Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon for allegedly misrepresenting the government's position to the court and for failing to provide necessary legal advice to facilitate compliance with the High Court's directives.
Fox's comments reflect a broader internal conflict within the government regarding the implementation of the draft law. He accused the legal counsel of promoting its own agenda rather than assisting the government in advancing its policies.
Ongoing Enforcement Actions
Between January 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, authorities detained 716 individuals with enlistment orders and an additional 460 draft evaders attempting to leave the country. Military police conducted 1,240 proactive arrest operations targeting draft evaders since the High Court's ruling in November 2025. Furthermore, military prosecutors are revising guidelines to lower the period of non-reporting required before a draft evader can face criminal charges from 540 days to 365 days, potentially increasing the number of individuals subject to prosecution.
However, police representatives have noted that ongoing protests in haredi neighborhoods, including road blockades and clashes with security forces, have complicated enforcement efforts.
Criticism of Government Inaction
Critics, including the Movement for Quality Government, argue that the government's inaction undermines the principle of equality in military service and the IDF's manpower needs. They assert that the government must prioritize the enforcement of the draft law, regardless of potential backlash from coalition partners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the government has not formulated a plan to deny personal economic benefits to service evaders, even though the personal and economic sanctions against draft evaders from the ultra-Orthodox community have proven effective.” — Gali Baharav-Miara, Attorney-General
- “It is time for the government to stop disrespecting the Supreme Court and act immediately to enforce the enlistment law: to cease all benefits to draft evaders and enlist the 110,000 yeshiva students obligated to serve,” — Movement for Quality Government
- “The legal counsel to the government chose, once again, to represent the petitioners' position and not to defend the government's position, while presenting a misleading picture regarding the government's activities intended to increase the rate of those conscripted into the IDF.” — Yossi Fox, Government Secretary
The situation remains fluid as the government grapples with internal disputes and external pressures regarding the enforcement of the draft law for the ultra-Orthodox community.
