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Israel: The procedure for Israeli citizens living overseas to be exempted from military service for medical or religious reasons; whether this procedure is undertaken orally or in writing; whether one can appeal the subsequent decision; whether this decision is given orally or in writing; whether an Israeli living abroad who did not complete his or her military service could be issued a new passport; whether a religious Israeli citizen living abroad who is no longer a yeshiva student can be granted an exemption for his or her religious beliefs or practices (2007)

According to a consular official from the Embassy of Israel in Ottawa, the procedure for Israeli citizens living overseas to be exempted from military service for medical or religious reasons is as follows:

Israeli citizens who are living abroad and are seeking exemption from military service based on religious or medical reasons may apply for exemption at any of the Israeli diplomatic missions abroad. However, there are some requirements that they have to meet: only religious girls and Yeshiva students may apply for exemption based on religious reasons and they have to prove their claim by providing the contact information of two people (rabbis usually) that can vouch for them. Exemption for medical reasons should be well documented and proven. (10 July 2007)

Applications for military exemptions must be made in writing through an embassy (Israel 11 July 2007).

With respect to appealing decisions, the Consular Official stated that Israelis living abroad wishing to appeal a denial of an exemption must submit their request to the military authorities (ibid. 10 July 2007). The Consular Official confirmed that Israeli diplomatic missions or the military authorities give decisions regarding exemptions in writing (ibid. 11 July 2007).

According to the Consular Official, Israelis living abroad who have not completed their military service and who have not obtained permission from the military authorities "should get [their] military status in order in order to ask for a new passport" (ibid. 10 July 2007). In a 14 June 2007 telephone conversation, the Consular Official emphasized that it is important to apply for exemptions and deferrals; otherwise, the individual in question will be considered to be either absent without leave or in contravention of Israeli law (ibid. 14 June 2007).

With respect to religious Israelis living abroad who are not yeshiva students, the Consular Official explained that these individuals can apply for an exemption or deferral based on religious reasons and that the military authorities have the authority to approve or deny the request (ibid. 10 July 2007).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Israel. 11 July 2007. Embassy of Israel, Ottawa. Correspondence with a consular official.
_____. 10 July 2007. Embassy of Israel, Ottawa. Correspondence with a consular official.
_____. 14 June 2007. Embassy of Israel, Ottawa. Telephone interview with a consular official.

Topics: Military service,