Israel Attorney General seeks tougher sanctions on Haredi draft avoidance

Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has informed the High Court of Justice that approximately 90,000 Haredi men are currently subject to military draft enforcement proceedings. The filing reveals that as of September 8, 110,330 Israelis were classified as draft avoiders or were undergoing enlistment enforcement, with the vast majority belonging to the ultra-Orthodox community.

Baharav-Miara accused government agencies of failing to implement judicial orders and requested that the court compel ministries to enforce financial penalties and economic restrictions against those who do not comply with enlistment requirements. This legal push comes amid heightened tensions regarding manpower needs for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The issue remains a deeply divisive political matter. While the military faces increased demand for soldiers and reservists, Haredi community leaders argue that mandatory service threatens their religious lifestyle and Torah study, which they view as a spiritual defense for the state.