Israelis abroad · Questions and answers
Ben Mehagrim and the IDF: questions and answers
The questions Israeli parents abroad ask most often about their children's IDF status – answered in plain English by Adv. Ella Harel, a former senior military prosecutor.
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Israeli law requires every Israeli citizen to serve in the IDF – including those who live abroad and those who hold another citizenship. For families who left Israel, or whose children were born abroad, the IDF recognises several statuses that defer the draft and, in many cases, end in an exemption.
Below are the questions parents ask most often. If you would rather start with the overview, see IDF status for Israelis living abroad.
The statuses at a glance
- Ben Mehagrim – main conditions: born abroad, or left Israel with the parents before 16; lives abroad; parents keep the visit limits. What it gives: deferral until the exemption age, and in many cases an exemption.
- Born abroad (Yalid Chul) – main conditions: born outside Israel to an Israeli parent; lived abroad continuously. What it gives: deferral, and sometimes an exemption, depending on the circumstances.
- Mehager – main conditions: born abroad, came to Israel after 16, returned abroad within two years. What it gives: deferral while life stays abroad; no year of stay or studies in Israel.
- Ben Shlichim – main conditions: abroad because a parent was sent by an official Israeli body. What it gives: deferral for the mission only.
The exemption age and the conditions can differ between men and women, and between age groups. Since October 2023 the IDF has applied these rules more strictly, and its guidelines change often – this page cannot always keep up. For your family’s dates and documents, ask for a personal assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as Ben Mehagrim?
An Israeli citizen who was born abroad, or who left Israel with his or her parents (or the custodial parent) before the age of 16 in order to live abroad. If one parent lives in Israel, the young person must show that he or she is in the custody of the parent abroad. If both parents live in Israel, the status is not recognised.
What is the difference between Ben Mehagrim, born abroad, Mehager and Ben Shlichim?
Ben Mehagrim left Israel with the parents before 16 and lives abroad permanently. Born abroad (Yalid Chul) was born outside Israel to an Israeli parent and has lived abroad continuously. Mehager was born abroad, moved to Israel after 16 and returned abroad within two years. Ben Shlichim lives abroad because a parent was sent by an official Israeli body – this usually gives a deferral for the mission only, not an exemption.
When should we start the process?
At 16 years and four months. That is when every young Israeli living abroad must register with the nearest Israeli consulate, and it is the right time to arrange the status – well before any visit to Israel.
How do we apply from abroad?
Through the Israeli consulate nearest to where you live, which passes the file to the IDF's overseas desk at the Meitav induction authority, or directly with Meitav. You will need forms, proof of continuous residence abroad (school records, leases, utility bills), documents on the parents' status and, for separated parents, a custody document. Getting the file right the first time avoids requests for more documents that delay the decision.
How long does it take?
It varies with the workload and with how complete the file is – usually a few weeks to a few months. Do not travel to Israel on the assumption that an application in progress protects you; rely only on a written decision.
How does the 120-day rule work?
A young person with the status may stay in Israel for up to 120 days in total in each calendar year (January to December). A stay that runs from one calendar year into the next needs particular care: as a rule, 60 days abroad are then required before the next year's days can be used. Going over the limit can end the status.
What is the "year of stay" (Shnat Shehiya)?
A one-time continuous stay in Israel of more than 120 and up to 365 days, without losing the status. It requires at least 60 days abroad before the visit and 60 days abroad after it. High-school or university studies in Israel count as using the year of stay.
How long can the parents stay in Israel?
As a rule, each parent may stay up to 180 days in total in a calendar year, with 60 days abroad before and after a visit. The parents' visits count until the child is 21, or until 18 if the child left Israel before the age of 13. If a parent goes over the limit, the child can lose the status.
Our child wants to study in Israel. Is that possible?
In certain cases. A degree or yeshiva studies of up to four years may be allowed, mainly for a child born abroad or who left Israel before the age of 10, provided the parents live abroad and the institution is recognised. Up to two years of high school in Israel may be allowed for a child who left before the age of 13. Each track has its own conditions and dates, so check before enrolling.
Can my child go through the IDF first call-up (Tzav Rishon) without losing the status?
Yes, a young person with the status may attend the first call-up and screening, and if he or she then decides not to enlist, may return to the status – as long as the permitted stay limits were kept. Some screening can be done from abroad.
What happens if the status is lost?
The duty to enlist begins. How long the service would be depends on the age at arrival in Israel and on family status, and anyone whose arrival date is before the age of 22 must enlist. In some cases the loss can be challenged, or another ground for exemption raised – it is worth getting advice quickly.
What happens if my child enters Israel without an arranged status?
He or she may be stopped from leaving Israel until the military status is settled, and may be treated as staying abroad without permission or, in more serious cases, as a draft evader – which can lead to criminal proceedings. If this has already happened, call a lawyer before signing or saying anything.
Can an IDF decision be appealed?
Yes. A refusal can be challenged with a reasoned request and further evidence, and in some cases the decision can be brought before the courts. Deadlines and the right evidence matter, so it helps to act early.
Does dual citizenship or a foreign passport exempt my child?
No. Holding another citizenship does not cancel the duty that comes with Israeli citizenship. What matters is the recognised status and keeping its rules.