MKs Demand Answers From IDF on Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evader Enforcement
Knesset members demand answers from the Military Advocate General regarding a sharp decline in proactive arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders following Supreme Court rulings.
MKs Demand Answers on Ultra-Orthodox Draft Evader Arrests
Members of Knesset Efrat Rayten, Ram Ben-Barak, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Oded Forer sent an urgent letter to Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Itai Ophir demanding clarification regarding the scope of arrests of yeshiva student draft evaders in 2026. As of this writing, their inquiry has yet to receive a response.
The parliamentary appeal follows growing concerns that despite the cancellation of the controversial draft arrest freeze law by the Supreme Court, enforcement operations have dropped dramatically, bordering on a de facto halt. Recent reports indicate that while dozens of deserters populate military prisons, these arrests stem primarily from routine checks at Ben Gurion Airport rather than proactive enforcement in civilian centers.
"The disgraceful law freezing the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers was struck down by the Supreme Court. The IDF is obligated to uphold the law and enforce military conscription equally," stated MK Efrat Rayten, leader of The Democrats faction.
IDF and Police Spar Over Responsibility
IDF officials attribute the enforcement slowdown partly to a lack of cooperation from the Israel Police, noting that military police officers cannot operate independently in civilian spaces without police backup. In response, the Israel Police issued a statement countering the claim: "This is a mission under the responsibility of the Military Police, and any questions regarding its execution should be directed to them.
In its official response, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit rejected the allegations, stating: "The claim is incorrect. The Military Police Corps carries out proactive enforcement operations in population centers when accompanied by the Israel Police, as well as at border crossings in accordance with its missions. Following security assessments, manpower and preparedness for arresting draft evaders at various border crossings have been significantly reinforced."
