The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday announced that draft dodgers living overseas would be able to visit Israel ahead of Independence Day without penalty.
Individuals who illegally evaded conscription by leaving Israel are normally arrested by the authorities upon landing at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
According to a statement issued by the military, as part of Israel's 70th Independence Day celebration, the IDF will offer draft dodgers a temporary reprieve between April 1 and May 15, during which those who visit Israel will not face prosecution.
The IDF said draft dodgers would be able to use this six-week window to contact military authorities and resolve their legal status.
Starting on May 17, however, draft dodgers who fail to resolve their status will not be allowed to leave Israel and will be arrested at the airport should they try to do so, the military said.
