IDF preparing to arrest haredi draft dodgers as early as next week - report

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly preparing for mass arrests of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men who have evaded military conscription, with operations potentially beginning as early as next week. The military has requested assistance from the Israel Police, anticipating possible disturbances and planning joint situational assessments.

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These days, joint planning work is taking place with the Israel Police to coordinate the Military Police’s enforcement activities in the public sphere. We emphasize that coordination is critical and affects the areas in which the IDF can operate to carry out arrests.

KAN News reported that hundreds of police officers may be involved in supporting the Military Police's enforcement activities. The IDF stressed the critical nature of coordination with the Israel Police, stating, "joint planning work is taking place with the Israel Police to coordinate the Military Police’s enforcement activities in the public sphere." This cooperation is deemed essential for the IDF's operational capabilities in carrying out arrests.

This move follows a shift in the Israel Police's policy, after the High Court of Justice previously criticized the police for a lack of enforcement in past protests. In response to the changing policy, Degel HaTorah party chairman MK Moshe Gafni urged party members to cease cooperation with the Israel Police, stating, "so that we will not, God forbid, be partners in harming the holy Torah and those who study it, I ask that cooperation with the Israel Police... be stopped immediately."

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Following the change in Israel Police policy, and so that we will not, God forbid, be partners in harming the holy Torah and those who study it, I ask that cooperation with the Israel Police, including municipal policing, be stopped immediately, until further notice.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue during a visit to the IDF’s Hasmonean Brigade, a unit established to accommodate haredi soldiers. He stated, "I respect the world of Torah because generations of my ancestors and your ancestors preserved Israel's heritage through Torah study. But those who do not study Torah must enlist.” He added that enlistment should allow soldiers to maintain their haredi lifestyle, emphasizing that "studying Torah and serving adds strength."

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I respect the world of Torah because generations of my ancestors and your ancestors preserved Israel's heritage through Torah study. But those who do not study Torah must enlist.

Netanyahu commended the brigade, noting a significant increase in haredi enlistment and a desire to defend Israel. He described the soldiers as pioneers whose actions are encouraging others to follow suit in defending the State of Israel.

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And when they enlist, they must be granted the right to enter as haredi and leave as haredi.