The IDF says that it will take harsher measures against deserters.
The military has requested approval from the Justice Ministry to ban such soldiers from renewing their driver's license, national ID card, and passport; prevent them from receiving housing benefits and scholarships; and ban them from obtaining a firearms license.
About 3,000 soldiers who are currently absent without leave received text messages from the army, warning them about new punishments. The message says: "Hello, according to army records, you are committing the offense of absence from service without approval, which will result in a criminal record. The duration of punishment you will receive will be determined, among other things, by the length of your absence. You must immediately settle your status using the following phone number or e-mail address"