What many in the chareidi world are calling another escalation in the ongoing campaign against Torah learners took shape this week after Israel’s Land Authority Council approved new restrictions barring draft-eligible individuals who have not resolved their military status from participating in the government’s subsidized housing lottery program, “Dira B’Hanacha.”

The council, convened by Housing Minister Chaim Katz, also approved a measure reserving 50% of the apartments in the upcoming lottery specifically for IDF reservists, with priority given to combat soldiers. The remaining apartments will be available to the general public — but only to those who have formally arranged their status with the military.

According to reports, the decision follows a directive issued by Israel’s Attorney General requiring immediate implementation of the policy.

Under the approved framework, all applicants will now be required to sign declarations confirming they have resolved their military status with IDF authorities. Anyone found to have submitted false information could lose their apartment allocation retroactively once their actual status is discovered.

The next housing lottery is expected to include approximately 8,000 apartments, though the distribution will now change dramatically under the new rules.

In addition to reserving more than half the apartments for reservists, the plan also grants them all rental-designated units.

In chareidi cities and neighborhoods, approximately 35% of apartments will reportedly be allocated to reservists as well. Officials indicated that percentage could increase if there is insufficient participation from chareidi applicants. Government and legal officials are reportedly even considering freezing lotteries entirely in certain chareidi areas if participation levels do not meet requirements.

The latest move comes after previous housing lotteries were delayed multiple times amid political and legal battles over the issue.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)