Haredi military aid org warns Netanyahu draft dodger arrests threaten ultra-Orthodox enlistment

The Netzah Yehuda Organization, which supports ultra-Orthodox soldiers, has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt recent arrests of young Haredi yeshiva students. The organization warns that these actions are detrimental to efforts to increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the military.

"The direct attack on the Torah world and yeshiva students is causing direct harm to haredi recruitment for meaningful military service," wrote Yossi Levi, CEO of Netzah Yehuda, in a letter to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Levi argued that unity and increased service will not be achieved through "threats, sanctions, arrests, or a discourse of confrontation," but rather by moving closer to a solution.

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The direct attack on the Torah world and yeshiva students is causing direct harm to haredi recruitment for meaningful military service.

Levi emphasized that draft efforts should target Haredim not currently enrolled in yeshivas, rather than those dedicated to full-time Torah study. He expressed concern that the recent arrests could discourage young Haredi men who might otherwise consider military service, including combat roles.

This warning comes after the High Court of Justice criticized police inaction on draft dodgers. The IDF has reportedly requested Israel Police to proactively arrest Haredi draft dodgers, a shift from the previous passive approach. While the Police Operations Department is reviewing the request, Police Commissioner Danny Levy has previously refused similar support. Protests have occurred, including an incident where dozens of Haredi protesters attempted to storm a Jerusalem police station following an arrest.

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The path to strengthening unity within Israeli society and expanding the circle of those who serve does not pass through threats, sanctions, arrests, or a discourse of confrontation. These measures do not bring us closer to a solution; they move us further away from one.