Israel’s military has issued 1,126 arrest warrants for ultra-Orthodox conscripts who have not responded to drafting orders, following a controversial decision to remove their long-standing exemption from service. Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb announced the arrest warrants to a parliamentary committee, stating that those who ignored their orders would be reminded of their duty initially.
If individuals continued to not cooperate, they would face immediate summons or risk being declared draft dodgers, potentially leading to travel bans and arrest if stopped by police. This move has sparked discontent in the country since a Supreme Court ruling in June that ultra-Orthodox Jews could no longer be exempt from military service, a practice in place since Israel's establishment.
Israel has sought to enlist ultra-Orthodox (or Haredi) Jews of draft age due to military strains from conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite sending out 3,000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox Jews, Defense Minister Israel Katz plans to issue an additional 7,000 orders approved by his predecessor. Brig. Gen. Tayib highlighted the ongoing need for soldiers, mentioning that even 10,000 ultra-Orthodox conscripts might not suffice due to casualties.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Katz to promptly issue the additional draft orders and enhance enforcement against non-compliant individuals. Lapid emphasized the importance of supporting combat troops and distinguishing them from draft dodgers in this critical situation.
