Israeli Defense Forces set to dispatch 54,000 conscription notices to haredim this week
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are launching a major enforcement campaign starting July 2025, targeting draft evaders and deserters within the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) community. This initiative follows a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the longstanding indefinite military deferments for yeshiva students, requiring tens of thousands of Haredi men whose exemptions have now expired to be drafted.
In a significant move, the IDF will send out 54,000 draft notices over several waves throughout July to Haredi men previously exempt as yeshiva students but now subject to conscription. Enlistment appointments will be scheduled across the 2025 draft year.
Priority will be given to those with high potential for combat and frontline support roles to meet rising operational demands. To ensure compliance, the IDF plans to set up roadblocks and checkpoints at entrances to major Haredi population centers, where soldiers and military police will conduct identity checks and detain individuals classified as draft dodgers or deserters. Traffic police will also be instructed to perform license plate checks and hand over suspects to military authorities.
The process of officially declaring someone a draft dodger is being expedited. A candidate who fails to respond to summonses could be classified as evading draft within approximately two months, speeding up enforcement actions.
While enforcing the draft, the IDF emphasizes efforts to preserve the Haredi recruits’ unique religious lifestyle and has developed service tracks tailored to facilitate their integration without compromising their traditions.
Political negotiations are ongoing between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coalition Haredi parties regarding legislation that could re-legalize some form of Torah study deferments. Until such a law passes, the IDF is moving aggressively on enforcement to replenish manpower. New draft legislation has been unveiled proposing enlistment quotas and economic sanctions against both individuals and institutions that resist conscription.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who recently stepped down from his position, praised the IDF's announcement but denounced the attempt to legislate a law to prevent enlisting Haredim. He called for Members of Knesset (MKs) to oppose the draft exemption law, expressing concern that it would abandon soldiers and their families. Bennett also criticized the government for consulting with Haredi functionaries instead of the IDF.
Despite the political context, the IDF remains committed to the enlistment of members of the Haredi community. Bennett expressed his belief that camaraderie in the ranks will always prevail. The IDF is developing additional programs to support the integration of Haredi community members into the military, balancing enforcement measures with respect for their unique way of life.
In the wake of political negotiations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coalition Haredi parties are discussing potential legislation that could reintroduce Torah study deferments. Despite this, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are pushing aggressively with enforcement actions to draft tens of thousands of Haredi men, with general news outlets reporting the sending of 54,000 draft notices amidst concerns of draft evasion and desertion.
