Rights9/25/2026

Members of Knesset Demand Explanations for Reduction in Arrests of Draft Evaders

Four opposition members of Knesset asked the Military Advocate General for data on the arrests in 2026 of deserters among yeshiva students liable for military service. As of the publication date, no response had been received, and the IDF and the police gave differing accounts of responsibility for law enforcement.

Key facts

•The inquiry was sent by four opposition members of Knesset
•The recipient is Military Advocate General Itai Ofir
•The period under review is 2026
•According to Ynet data, no proactive operations were conducted for two months
•First published — 24.09.2026 at 22:16

The Members of Knesset’s Inquiry

Efrat Rayten, Ram Ben Barak, Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Oded Forer contacted the Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Itai Ofir. They demanded clarification as to why, according to existing reports, there had been a sharp decline in the number of arrests of ultra-Orthodox men liable for military service. The members of Knesset link the situation to the enactment of the law freezing arrests, whose validity the High Court of Justice subsequently suspended and which it later struck down.

Airport Arrests Instead of Raids

According to Ynet data, dozens of deserters are being held in a military prison, but these are mainly individuals arrested by police units at Ben Gurion Airport. The media outlet reported that virtually no proactive operations had been conducted over the past two months. Efrat Rayten said this raises concerns about equality in enforcement and fairness toward soldiers performing mandatory and reserve service.

The Dispute Between the Military and the Police

IDF sources explained the situation as resulting from a lack of cooperation by the police: the Military Police cannot operate independently in civilian areas. The Israel Police responded that carrying out the mission is the responsibility of the Military Police and that questions should be directed to it.

The IDF’s Position

The IDF rejected the claim that enforcement had been halted. The military stated that the Military Police conducts proactive operations in localities with the required escort from the Israel Police and also operates at border crossings. In accordance with the situation assessment, personnel resources and preparations for arresting those who failed to report for enlistment were reinforced; the IDF stated that it would continue equal enforcement against all violators.

What this means for you

The article does not report a new judicial decision or a change in conscription arrangements: it concerns an inquiry by members of Knesset and a dispute between the authorities regarding the actual implementation of existing obligations. For those liable for military service, this means that arrests continue at least at border crossings, including Ben Gurion Airport, and that the IDF also says it conducts proactive operations in localities.

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