Six Draft Dodgers Caught Trying to Flee Israel Ahead of High Holidays

Six ultra-Orthodox men subject to military conscription were apprehended by airport security at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday as they attempted to leave the country. Airport Authority security teams detained the individuals, who were subsequently transferred to the Population and Immigration Authority. It was then discovered that each possessed outstanding military draft orders, legally preventing their departure.

Two individuals were intercepted at Terminal 1, while the other four were stopped in Terminal 3. This incident occurs amid an anticipated rise in the apprehension of draft dodgers, as discussed in a meeting between military officials and the Attorney General's office two weeks prior. A significant contributing factor is the increased number of travelers heading to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah.

Last year, over 100 draft dodgers were detained at border crossings, and authorities estimate this number will be substantially higher this year. The Airport Authority is preparing for over 3 million passengers during the upcoming holiday period, with special flights to Uman commencing next Sunday. Peak travel days are expected to see around 100,000 passengers and 600 daily flights.

The past few weeks have seen an increase in draft dodger arrests nationwide, leading to protests. Last Friday, a draft dodger was arrested on Route 443 near Ofer Prison, sparking clashes when protesters blocked the road. The previous Monday, another draft dodger was apprehended in Haifa, prompting ultra-Orthodox demonstrations in central Israel that led to the closure of the Geha Interchange.