Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has called for expanded financial sanctions against approximately 110,000 Israelis who have failed to comply with military draft requirements, drawing strong criticism from Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, who accused her of targeting lomdei Torah ahead of national elections.

In a legal opinion submitted to Israel's High Court on Wednesday, October 21, Baharav-Miara argued that the government has not fully utilized its enforcement powers against individuals who have failed to report for military service.

According to figures presented to the court, approximately 110,000 Israelis are classified as draft evaders or have unresolved military reporting obligations. Many are members of the Chareidi community, although the figure does not exclusively represent yeshiva bochurim.

The Attorney General urged the government to expand the use of financial and administrative sanctions, including restrictions on certain state benefits, as a means of enforcing military service requirements.

The proposed measures have generated considerable concern among Chareidi families, particularly over their potential impact on households whose sons are learning in yeshivos and whose daily expenses may be affected by changes to government assistance.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri sharply condemned the Attorney General's position, accusing her of deliberately pursuing Torah learners ahead of Israel's elections.

Deri's criticism reflects the growing confrontation over the status of yeshiva bochurim and the government's approach to military conscription, an issue that has sparked protests and legal disputes across the country.

The latest filing comes amid continued efforts to impose stricter enforcement measures against those who have not complied with military draft orders. The dispute has placed renewed attention on the future of yeshiva learning and the financial consequences facing Chareidi families.

The High Court has yet to determine the outcome of the latest request, and the proposed sanctions should not be understood as having already been fully implemented.