A protest sign on a building in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem against the drafting of Haredim (Source: The Judean - March 16th, 2025)
A sign in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot against Haredi Draft (The Judean)

AG Demands Sanctions on Haredi Draft Dodgers

Details
The Judean Staff
Judicial

In an urgent plea to the government, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has called for the immediate imposition of personal sanctions against those evading military enlistment. In a letter addressed to the Defense Ministry on Tuesday and posted on X by Israeli journalist Amit Segal, Baharav-Miara laid out a series of enforcement measures proposed by legal and military experts, aiming to bolster the Israel Defense Forces' ranks as the nation faces an unprecedented security crisis.

Escalating the Fight Against Systematic Draft Evasion

Baharav-Miara, who holds the unique dual role of government legal advisor and chief prosecutor, underscored the gravity of the IDF's manpower shortage, warning that urgent action is required.

"The acute need to increase the number of conscripts is undeniable," she wrote, emphasizing that the ongoing war has only amplified the urgency of closing the growing gap in the IDF’s combat capabilities.

Her letter specifically targeted the widespread phenomenon of draft dodging among ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) yeshiva students, calling it an unacceptable breach of national responsibility.

"Enforcement measures need to be intensified against ultra-Orthodox draft evaders who blatantly refuse to comply with their recruitment orders. It is imperative to uphold the principle of national duty and ensure that all sectors of Israeli society contribute to the defense of the nation," she declared.

Governmental Incentives for Evasion Spark Outrage

The Attorney General’s letter comes at a time when the government is advancing controversial legislation that would provide continued financial stipends to ultra-Orthodox men, even if they fail to report for military service.

The proposal has ignited a firestorm of criticism from across the political spectrum, with many Israelis outraged at what they see as the government's endorsement of institutionalized draft evasion. Since the onset of the war, public calls have intensified, demanding that ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students step up to defend the country alongside their secular and national-religious counterparts.

Baharav-Miara’s letter condemned this long-standing exemption policy, arguing that it not only erodes the principle of equality but also threatens national security.

"Beyond being a severe violation of equal duty, the military is facing a dire shortage of personnel needed to fulfill its operational missions. The systematic and widespread evasion of military service directly undermines the security of the state," she warned.

Pressure Mounts on Defense Minister to Act

Highlighting the army’s immediate needs, Baharav-Miara urged Defense Minister Israel Katz to act decisively by imposing administrative sanctions on draft dodgers, arguing that such measures can be implemented without the need for new legislation. The proposed sanctions could include severe financial penalties, denial of government benefits, and restrictions on employment and education opportunities for those who refuse to serve.

Despite the urgency of the matter, Defense Minister Katz has yet to publicly respond to the Attorney General’s recommendations.

Former PM Bennett: "A Black Flag of Immorality Hangs Over This Government"

The growing backlash against Haredi draft exemptions has also drawn fierce condemnation from former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Naftali Bennett.

"Every soldier called up by the IDF must stand for the defense of our country. While this government sends fighters to the frontlines, it is simultaneously transferring billions to incentivize mass Haredi draft evasion. This is an immoral act, with a black flag waving above it," Bennett declared on Tuesday.

He issued a stark warning to Knesset members, urging them to reject any budget that funds draft evasion.

"Governmental encouragement of institutional evasion during wartime is a disgrace. Those who support this policy will bear the mark of Cain on their forehead," he cautioned.

The Tipping Point

With the nation embroiled in war and security concerns mounting, the longstanding status quo of Haredi draft exemptions faces an unprecedented challenge. The Attorney General’s call for action adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding an end to systemic draft dodging. As public pressure intensifies, the government will be forced to decide: continue shielding an entire sector from national service or heed the growing outcry for justice, equality, and the security of the state.

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