The IDF has announced that it has launched “proceedings” against chareidim who have failed to report to induction centers despite receiving draft orders.
According to the military, those who repeatedly ignore draft notices “will be considered to be committing an offense of unauthorized absence from duty, and are expected to face criminal sanctions.”
While the IDF has not specified what penalties will be imposed, it has already issued over 1,000 warrants aimed at restricting the international travel of individuals who have disregarded multiple draft orders.
The military emphasized its role as “the people’s army” and stated that it is committed to drafting all eligible individuals “in accordance with the law and the directives of the political echelon.”
In its statement, the IDF highlighted efforts to accommodate chareidi recruits, saying, “The IDF invests great efforts to recruit chareidim with conditions that will allow them to maintain their lifestyle and beliefs.”
The military also reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance, adding, “The IDF will continue to enforce the law and take action against recruits who violate it and fail to report to the induction centers.”
The push to draft chareidi recruits comes amid an ongoing personnel shortage in the IDF, which has been exacerbated by the current war. It also follows a High Court ruling from last year that invalidated the legal exemption previously allowing yeshiva students to avoid military service.
Looking ahead, the IDF has stated that as of 2026, it will no longer be subject to limits on the number of chareidi men it can technically draft into service.
In the past year, approximately 70,000 chareidi men were listed as eligible for conscription.
{Matzav.com Israel}