The Defense Ministry can hire private investigators to verify affidavits of women who declare themselves religious for military exemption purposes, acting Attorney General Meir Gabai ruled yesterday. He handed down his legal opinion at the request of Deputy Defense Minister Mordechai Zipori who wanted to know whether there was any reason why the ministry could not employ detectives to check whether women who declare themselves to be religious are really so.
However, Gabai added that although it was legally permissible he did not regard it as desirable from a publicion opinion standpoint and would recommend that such investigations be performed by the police.
Gabai noted that according to previous rulings of the Attorney General, the government could use the services of private investigators, provided the investigation could not be carried out by the police. However, Gabai added, the investigation should be performed by the private agency under tight control. Judging by this ruling, doubt was expressed whether the Defense Ministry will use the services of private detectives.
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