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The Israeli military is preparing to intensify enforcement of conscription laws among the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community, requesting police support for proactive arrests of draft dodgers, according to multiple reports. The move, which could begin as early as next week, represents a shift from previous passive enforcement and has already sparked protests and political maneuvering.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post, citing the Israeli public broadcaster KAN and the ultra-Orthodox outlet Kol Barama, indicate that the IDF has formally asked the Israel Police to allocate forces for operations to locate and arrest haredi men who evade conscription. A police source told Kol Barama that instructions were given to "arrest every draft dodger located in the central region and transfer him to the Military Police as part of the operations, without exception." The request is reportedly under review by the police's operations department.

According to KAN, Police Commissioner Danny Levy had previously refused to provide such support, but his position may have shifted following a recent High Court of Justice decision criticizing the police for lack of enforcement regarding draft dodgers. The Jerusalem Post reported that the High Court's criticism was a factor in the policy change, though the exact nature of the court's remarks was not detailed in the reports.

Key Claims

  • IDF request for police support: Multiple reports confirm the IDF has requested police forces for proactive arrests of haredi draft dodgers, with operations possibly beginning as early as June or the following week, depending on the report. This was first reported by Kol Barama on May 25 and later confirmed by KAN.
  • High Court criticism: The High Court of Justice is reported to have criticized the Israel Police's inaction on draft dodgers, a development that some reports suggest influenced Police Commissioner Danny Levy's change of heart. This claim appears in multiple reports and is widely credited.
  • Netzah Yehuda CEO letter: Yossi Levi, CEO of the Netzah Yehuda Organization, which supports haredi soldiers, wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz warning that recent arrests of haredi yeshiva students could discourage potential recruits. "These measures do not bring us closer to a solution; they move us further away from one," Levi wrote. This letter was reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Protest at police station: Dozens of haredi protesters attempted to storm a military police station in Jerusalem overnight on May 25 after a suspected draft dodger was arrested. Police dispersed the crowd using force, and three police cars had tires damaged. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing police statements.
  • Netanyahu's remarks: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade, a unit for haredi soldiers, that those who do not study Torah must enlist. "I respect the world of Torah... but those who do not study must serve," he said, according to the Jerusalem Post. He commended the brigade for their service.
  • Eisenkot's proposal: Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! Party, called for a "realistic plan" to draft haredim, proposing that 3% of each annual haredi cohort be allowed to study Torah instead of serving, similar to exemptions for athletes and musicians. He also called for canceling the authority of rabbis to grant deferments. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Bennett's stance: Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister and opposition figure, stated there should be no compromise on drafting haredim, and that those who do not serve should receive no state benefits. His remarks were reported by the Jerusalem Post, though the exact context was not detailed.
  • Haredi MKs instructed to halt cooperation: Rabbi Dov Lando, spiritual leader of United Torah Judaism, instructed party lawmakers to stop cooperating with the coalition's efforts to advance a haredi draft bill. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post on May 25.

Perspectives

The IDF and its supporters argue that conscription is essential for national security and fairness, especially given the military's manpower shortages. The military's request for proactive arrests reflects a determination to enforce the law, as Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks to the Hasmonean Brigade suggest.

Haredi leaders and organizations contend that the arrests threaten Torah study and community values, and that enforcement should target those not engaged in full-time religious study. The letter from Yossi Levi and the protests at the police station illustrate this opposition.

Political figures such as Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett push for universal service, with Eisenkot proposing a limited exemption for a small percentage of Torah scholars, while Bennett advocates for no exceptions. Their statements come amid election campaigns, adding a political dimension to the debate.

Some reports also note that haredi MKs have been instructed to end cooperation with the coalition over the draft law, indicating the issue may have political consequences for the government.