In a dramatic ruling issued on Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the state must formulate a full enforcement plan against Chareidi “draft-dodgers” within 45 days.

In response to petitions by left-wing organizations, the Supreme Court slammed the inadequate enforcement of the Security Service Law against Chareidi draft evaders, a situation that constitutes, in its words, “a violation of the duty of the authorities to enforce the law” and “severe harm to the rule of law and the principle of equality.”

The court ruled that the state is obligated to take measures for effective enforcement of the law, including criminal proceedings and a complementary policy that will include economic and civil sanctions.

The ruling emphasized that non‑enforcement of the law constitutes “blatant discrimination,” and there is no need to wait for new legislation, but that the government “is obligated to act immediately in accordance with the existing law.” It added that the enforcement of the law is not only a military mission but a national mission, requiring the involvement of all branches of government.

Regarding criminal enforcement, the ruling noted that although arrests were carried out, no data was presented on the launch of legal proceedings or the filing of indictments. “The avoidance of the authorities from taking real actions creates a clear incentive for continued evasion,” the ruling stated.

The ruling was issued by Deputy President Noam Sohlberg and Justices Daphne Barak‑Erez, David Mintz, Yael Willner and Alex Stein.

It should be noted that the ruling did not address the IDF’s admission that arrests and other measures have not resulted in an increased number of Chareidi recruits.

The justices ordered the government:

• To adopt criminal proceedings against Chareidi draft evaders at a rate equal to the enforcement against other sectors.

• To formulate complementary enforcement measures, with emphasis on civil‑economic sanctions.

• To ensure full effectiveness, without funding bypass channels and without benefits to those who avoid conscription.

• To rely on the positions of professional bodies and not ignore their recommendations.

In the ruling, the court emphasized that promises of future legislation cannot serve as an excuse for nonaction today.  

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the Degel HaTorah party announced that the Roshei Yeshivos of Slabodka gave their final approval for the advancement of the Chareidi draft law.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)