Story perspectives

High Court Cuts Welfare for Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evaders

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The High Court ordered revocation of selected welfare benefits for ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, criminal enforcement, and reports due by June 1.
The Israel Land Council and Labor Ministry must link housing, daycare and after-school subsidies to enlistment within 21 days.
State data show about 76,000 men are evaders, roughly 80 % ultra-Orthodox.
Police arrested only 17 ultra-Orthodox draft evaders between Jan 2025 and Jan 2026, while 81 of 442 2025 indictments targeted them.

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Story summary

The High Court ordered revocation of selected welfare benefits for ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, criminal enforcement, and reports due by June 1.
The Israel Land Council and Labor Ministry must link housing, daycare and after-school subsidies to enlistment within 21 days.
State data show about 76,000 men are evaders, roughly 80 % ultra-Orthodox.
Police arrested only 17 ultra-Orthodox draft evaders between Jan 2025 and Jan 2026, while 81 of 442 2025 indictments targeted them.