Contrary to High Court ruling: IDF and police stop initiating arrests of draft dodgers

The IDF and police have stopped initiating arrests of draft dodgers, contrary to a High Court directive from April. Senior law enforcement officials claim the organizations are deterred by Haredi protests. Initiated arrests have been halted in the last two months, except at Ben Gurion Airport. The state must respond to the High Court by October 15.

The IDF and police have stopped initiating arrests of draft dodgers, contrary to a High Court ruling from last April. This was reported last night (Thursday) on the Kan news broadcast. Senior law enforcement officials say both organizations are "deterred by Haredi protests." In April, the High Court unequivocally ruled that significant enforcement and proactive operations against draft dodgers are necessary, stating that the lack of arrests due to fear of clashes sends a dangerous message that the enforcement system can be "bent." Following the ruling, arrests began, leading to protests in the Haredi community. However, in the last two months, it was decided not to carry out proactive arrest operations, with most arrests taking place at Ben Gurion Airport. The state is required to respond to the High Court ruling by October 15 and present relevant data. About a week ago, MKs Efrat Rayten, Ram Ben Barak, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Oded Forer appealed to the Military Advocate General, Major General Itai Opher, demanding clarifications and data on the scope of draft dodger arrests since the beginning of 2026. Their letter stated that enforcing the duty of service equally is not merely a legal issue but has implications for the IDF's ability to expand its ranks and for trust in regular and reserve soldiers. The MKs have yet to receive a response. The IDF Spokesperson responded: "The claim is incorrect. The Military Police Corps carries out proactive enforcement operations in population centers accompanied by the Israel Police and at border crossings. Manpower for arresting those missing enlistment at border crossings has been reinforced. The IDF will continue to act for equal enforcement."