Jerusalem, 21 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Wednesday informed Israel’s High Court of Justice that the number of men classified as draft evaders has risen to 110,330, according to Israeli media reports.
The figure highlights the continuing challenge facing the state as it seeks to enforce mandatory military service amid a prolonged national debate over Haredi enlistment and equal sharing of the military burden.
The disclosure comes as the government faces legal and political pressure to address exemptions and enforcement measures affecting ultra-Orthodox men eligible for military service. The issue has become a major point of contention between the government, the judiciary and Haredi political parties.
The attorney general’s submission is part of ongoing legal proceedings over the state’s duty to enforce conscription laws after the legal basis for broad Haredi draft exemptions expired.
