Haredi protesters to block Highway 4, Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak over draft dodger detention

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrators are set to block Highway 4 and Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak on Wednesday afternoon, protesting the detention of a man identified as a draft dodger. The Israel Police advised drivers to avoid the area as the protests were scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.

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This is a crossing of a red line and a serious violation of the commissioner's commitment to the Haredi public. This is not how you build trust. This is how you destroy it.

According to reports, the suspect was initially summoned for questioning by Lahav 433 but was transferred to military police upon discovery of his draft dodger status. Shas MK Moshe Abutbul asserted that the man had approached police to aid in a fraud investigation and contacted Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Danny Levi about the incident. Abutbul criticized the transfer as a "crossing of a red line" and a violation of trust with the Haredi public.

Police disputed the MK's account, stating that the suspect would not have been transferred to military police if he were merely providing testimony. They issued a statement clarifying that the suspect was summoned for questioning with a warning regarding serious criminal offenses. Police emphasized that any other publication of events was incorrect and promoted a biased narrative.

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The suspect was summoned for questioning with a warning at Lahav 433 for serious criminal offenses. Upon learning that the suspect was wanted by the military police, a report was submitted as is customary and required. Any other publication is incorrect and intended to reinforce a biased and false narrative.

Abutbul has written to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, urging him to refine police complaint procedures for Haredim to prevent similar arrests. He warned that such conduct could erode public trust and deter citizens from contacting police when necessary. The protest underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding mandatory military service for Haredi men, a contentious issue expected to be central in the upcoming October elections.

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Their (police) procedures need to be refined immediately and clearly to allow haredim to file complaints at police stations without being arrested. Continuing such conduct could seriously damage public trust in the police, and cause citizens to avoid contacting them when necessary, which could cost lives.