AG says government must up enforcement against draft evaders, Haredim comprise over 80%

The office of Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated on Tuesday that despite an increase in ultra-Orthodox enlistment, the Haredi community still accounts for over 80% of all draft evaders. According to data released by the office, approximately 50,000 of the 60,000 individuals declared as draft evaders by the IDF last year were members of the ultra-Orthodox community, which comprises only about 14% of the population. The Attorney General’s office has called for strengthened enforcement, including arrests and increased economic sanctions. However, the office noted that of the 348 indictments filed for draft evasion this year, only 34 were against Haredim. Moshe Gafni, a leader of the United Torah Judaism party, responded by declaring that the Attorney General lacks the authority to impose restrictions on yeshiva students, accusing her of acting illegally. This follows a High Court of Justice ruling that ordered the government to issue more conscription orders to yeshiva students to meet IDF security needs.