Israeli Prime Minister Warns Draft Evaders Who Do Not Study Torah Will Face Conscription or Prison

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a firm stance on the ongoing military draft issue, stating that any ultra-Orthodox man who is not actively engaged in full-time Torah study will have to either enlist in the armed forces or go to prison. The statement comes amid heavy public debate and political pressure across the country concerning military exemptions granted to religious students.

Netanyahu noted that recent legislative attempts to freeze arrests of draft evaders had failed to achieve their intended goals and would not be reintroduced in a future administration. While traditional religious scholars studying in yeshivas remain protected under spiritual study exemptions, the administration made it clear that those avoiding service without valid educational commitments will face strict legal enforcement.

The announcement has triggered strong reactions across Israel's political spectrum, with opposition leaders dismissing the remarks as political posturing, while coalition partners continue to debate mandatory service requirements for the Haredi community.