Six Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodgers Apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport

Six ultra-Orthodox men evading military conscription were arrested at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday as they attempted to leave Israel. Two were detained at Terminal 1 and four at Terminal 3. Investigations revealed that all six were subject to conscription orders preventing their departure from the country.

The arrests occurred during peak travel times, just before the expected surge of travelers heading to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah. Security teams at the airport identified the individuals as draft dodgers attempting to circumvent exit procedures.

This incident highlights a new security policy recently implemented to close loopholes exploited in recent months. Authorities identified a method where draft dodgers "piggyback" on legitimate travelers at passport control, passing through without their own passports being stamped. This tactic was facilitated by the heavy crowds at the airport.

In response, airport authorities, in conjunction with the military police and the Population and Immigration Authority, have increased security presence. This includes deploying military police and Ministry of Transportation representatives to passport control booths to assist immigration officials. A dedicated arrest vehicle will also be stationed on the tarmac to apprehend any individuals attempting to bypass exit protocols.

The heightened security measures are a direct response to an observed increase in attempts by draft dodgers to leave the country, particularly in anticipation of the large number of pilgrims traveling to Uman for the Jewish New Year.