There has been a major increase in cases of draft dodging over the past year, according to the IDF, which is seeking an increase in penalties for those who duck military service.

Some 370 indictments have been filed since July 2007, according to Lt.-Col. Morris Hirsch, special military advocate for absentees and deserters.  In 2006, there were only a few dozen; however, Hirsch attributed the increase primarily to better cooperation between the IDF and Israel Police, rather than an actual increase in the number of those who went absent without leave (AWOL).