Full Breakdown
High Court of Justice Critiques Government's Inaction on Ultra-Orthodox Military Conscription
4/12/2026, 8:59:14 PM
Judicial Reprimand of Police and Government
During a recent hearing, the High Court of Justice in Israel expressed strong disapproval of the government's failure to enforce military conscription among the ultra-Orthodox community, known as Haredim. Justice David Mintz criticized the police for their reluctance to act against draft dodgers, suggesting they were intimidated by potential riots from the Haredi community. This sentiment was echoed by other justices, who noted that enforcement actions against non-Haredi draft dodgers were significantly more robust, despite data indicating that 75% to 80% of draft dodgers were from the Haredi sector.
The court's frustration stemmed from the government's lack of action following a November 19, 2025 ruling that mandated the implementation of effective measures to address draft evasion among Haredim. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel filed a contempt of court request due to the government's failure to comply with this ruling, which required a response by January 4. As of now, the government has not established any enforcement policies, despite the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sending nearly 80,000 draft orders to Haredi yeshiva students since a June 2024 ruling that eliminated blanket military exemptions.
Criticism of Government Inaction
The justices were particularly critical of the government’s inaction, with Deputy President Noam Sohlberg questioning the Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs about the lack of progress since the court's ruling. Fuchs's evasive responses led Sohlberg to suggest that the government's delays were merely a tactic to avoid implementing the court's decisions. Justice Mintz emphasized the urgency of enforcing the ruling, stating, “The question is what can be done [to enforce enlistment now].”
Neta Oren, representing the Attorney General’s Office, countered claims that effective sanctions against draft dodgers required new legislation. She indicated that proposals for sanctions had already been submitted by relevant ministries. However, the justices challenged the Attorney General's Office for not taking proactive measures to enforce existing court rulings, questioning why specific orders were necessary to compel action.
Implications and Next Steps
The ongoing legal battle highlights significant tensions between the Israeli government and the ultra-Orthodox community regarding military service obligations. The High Court's insistence on enforcement measures could lead to substantial changes in how the government addresses draft evasion among Haredim. As the court prepares to consider the contempt of court request, the implications for both the military and social dynamics in Israel remain profound.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A situation has been created in which the police is giving power to the mob, and there is no rule of law.” — Justice David Mintz
- “Nothing has moved since the [November 19] ruling,” — Deputy President Noam Sohlberg
- “There is a court ruling that says that financial benefits must not be given when there is draft evasion. Why do we need a special invitation for the government to act on the issue?” — Justice Daphna Barak Erez
- “Without concrete orders that will instruct every minister and every professional rank what is expected of them, these things will not be implemented.” — Neta Oren, Attorney General’s Office
