Government delays revoking public transport and property tax discounts from Haredi draft dodgers

The government is delaying for months the revocation of property tax and public transport discounts from Haredi draft dodgers, contrary to a High Court ruling. The number of draft dodgers has surged to 110,000. Meanwhile, extremist Haredim blocked Highway 4 in protest.

The government has been delaying for months the revocation of property tax and public transport discounts from Haredi draft dodgers, contrary to a High Court ruling and the professional echelon's position. Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were required to act, but nothing was done. The Prime Minister, who took over powers from the Interior Ministry, has avoided handling the issue. Yesterday it was reported that the number of draft dodgers has surged to 110,000, compared to 75,000 at the beginning of 2026, with 80% of them being Haredi. Simultaneously, dozens of extremist Haredim blocked Highway 4 in protest against arrests of deserters, and police forcibly dispersed them using stun grenades.