A video uploaded to one of the IDF's official social media accounts has become the subject of controversy because it shows haredi men classified as draft evaders a way to resolve their draft status so that they can travel abroad without being detained at Ben Gurion Airport.
Due to the criticism, the video was removed within hours, and the IDF admitted it was published in violation of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit guidelines.
The AI-generated video features a uniformed haredi character who explains how to go to the recruitment center, resolve a draft status with the military authorities, and then leave the country without limits. In practice, the process is known to the haredi public and used by some young people who wish to fly abroad, mainly in preparation for the mass New Year pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine, without being stopped at border control.
However, this time, the one sharing the loophole is the IDF itself. The post drew harsh responses, with critics claiming that instead of fighting draft evasion, the military is effectively providing an "instruction manual" to those who wish to evade enforcement.
The IDF said that the video does not reflect the military’s policy. “The purpose of the video was solely to explain to prospective recruits the process of formalizing their status, which is intended to lead to enlistment and meaningful service," the IDF stated.
It further stressed that the video “was uploaded in violation of the IDF Spokesperson’s directive regarding the publication of content during the election period," and that the incident would be investigated.