The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrew a video from its ultra-Orthodox branch’s official Instagram account on Wednesday after it was criticized for providing advice to draft-dodging Haredi men. The video explained how young Haredi men who received a follow-up draft order, known as Tzav 12, could avoid arrest warrants and travel bans by presenting medical documents that would exempt them from military service.
Tzav 12 orders are issued to individuals who fail to report for their initial draft summons. Those subject to this order face restrictions, including a prohibition on leaving Israel, which can result in complications at airports such as Ben-Gurion International Airport. The video featured an animated character named Dudi, depicted with traditional Haredi sidelocks and wearing an IDF uniform, who addressed the potential consequences of ignoring a Tzav 12 order. Released ahead of Rosh Hashanah, when many religious Jews travel to Uman, Ukraine, to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, the video urged young men to avoid travel disruptions by submitting medical exemptions at military induction centers.
Since the expiration in 2023 of a legal framework that provided broad exemptions for the Haredi community, Israel has faced a prolonged draft crisis, with tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men refusing to comply with military conscription orders. The government and IDF have come under pressure to integrate more Haredim into the military and enforce penalties for draft evasion.
The IDF confirmed the video’s removal, stating that its content does not align with the forces’ approach to managing draft status, which is focused on enlistment and meaningful service. It added that the video’s intent was to clarify the process for status regulation, which, when completed, would lift certain restrictions on draft candidates. The military also noted that posting the video violated internal guidelines prohibiting certain types of content during the current election period. The IDF announced an investigation into the incident.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the enforcement of compulsory military service in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community and underscores the challenges the IDF faces in addressing draft evasion while navigating political sensitivities.