NGO Israel Hofsheet pushes IDF to reform draft evader prosecution rules

The NGO Israel Hofsheet is urging the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to overhaul its criminal prosecution policy for draft evaders. In a letter that warns of a possible High Court petition, the organization argues that the army treats soldiers and reservists who fail to report for service more harshly than individuals who never enlist at all.

The letter, sent on behalf of Israel Hofsheet by attorney Ran Cohen Rochverger, calls for a "fundamental and renewed" review of the military prosecution's policy. It is addressed to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, Military Advocate-General Maj.-Gen. Itai Ofir, and the head of the High Court department in the State Attorney’s Office. This demand comes shortly before the state must update the High Court of Justice on its enforcement measures for the duty to draft ultra-Orthodox men.

The High Court has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the state's enforcement of its rulings on haredi enlistment, questioning the lack of proactive enforcement and meaningful detention of draft evaders. Israel Hofsheet narrows the dispute to a specific claim: that the IDF's criminal enforcement policy is discriminatory. According to the organization, a regular soldier who deserts faces indictment after over 100 days of absence, while a person who reports to induction but leaves before being placed in a unit is typically indicted after 180 days. Reservists failing to report for emergency call-ups can face proceedings from day one.

In contrast, Israel Hofsheet states, a draft evader who never reports to the IDF generally faces indictment only after 540 days of absence. The organization estimates that around 76,000 people are currently classified as draft evaders or subject to draft orders, with approximately 80% being haredi. Israel Hofsheet argues this policy "turns military enforcement on its head," penalizing those who have already engaged with the system more severely than those who have avoided it entirely.

“

fundamental and renewed