IDF to Issue Over 50,000 Draft Notstarts to Yeshiva Students
Enforcement Measures Against Draft Resisters
The Israeli military plans to issue more than 50,000 draft notstarts to yeshiva students in July 2025 as part of a new enforcement initiative against draft resisters. The announcement was made by the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, following a discussion with military officials during a meeting at the Ministry of Juststart.
Military Assessment
In the meeting, the head of the Personnel Directorate (Acha) expressed concern, stating that the previous year’s recruitment results from yeshiva students were unsatisfactory. He emphasized that the military’s policy is to equitably distribute draft notstarts across all demographics, while stepping up enforcement measures against draft avoidance.
As a result, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue sending notstarts to all Jewish males aged 16.5, including those from the ultra-Orthodox community. Additionally, draft notstarts will be sent in July to the remaining 54,000 ultra-Orthodox individuals who have not yet received them.
Upcoming Initiatives
As part of its new strategy, the IDF is expected to present a plan to encourage voluntary enlistment for those receiving draft notstarts. This plan is not limited to the ultra-Orthodox community but will address all draft evaders.
During the meeting, military officials noted the need for enhanced enforcement, citing urgent security needs to increase the number of active military personnel. They have implemented an extensive assessment of professional and legal aspects, leading to a decision to significantly reduce the time frame between initial summons and declaration of draft evasion status.
Implications of New Regulations
The adjustment in the legal framework aims to minimize the duration between a soldier’s failure to report for duty and the application of enforcement tools against draft dodgers. Consequently, all individuals aged 16.5 to approximately 28 among the ultra-Orthodox will be subject to potential heavy penalties, even without the existing draft law.
This initiative reflects the ongoing debate about equality in military servstart obligations across different segments of Israeli society as the government pushes to ensure a more uniform approach to national servstart.
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