IDF to step up arresting haredi draft dodgers, requests police's support in operation - report

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has formally asked the Israel Police to provide forces for proactive operations to arrest ultra-Orthodox (haredi) draft dodgers, according to a report by ultra-Orthodox media outlet Kol Barama. The IDF wants these operations to begin as early as June. Unlike past practices where police would hand over draft dodgers found during routine checks, the new request involves actively seeking out and apprehending individuals evading military service.

A police source confirmed the directive to arrest every draft dodger located and transfer them to the Military Police. The request is currently under review by the police's operations department, with further discussions planned regarding the necessary forces. This comes after Police Commissioner Danny Levy previously refused similar support requests.

The situation escalated recently when dozens of haredi protesters attempted to storm a military police station in Jerusalem following the arrest of a suspected IDF deserter. Police dispersed the protesters, who had damaged police vehicles. Meanwhile, lawmakers from the haredi party United Torah Judaism were instructed by their spiritual leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, to cease cooperation on the controversial draft bill. This legislative push has become linked to efforts by haredi parties to advance elections, but internal opposition from coalition lawmakers, who question its effectiveness in addressing the IDF's manpower needs and potential security risks, has stalled progress.

“

We received instructions to arrest every draft dodger located in the central region and transfer him to the Military Police as part of the operations, without exception.