Police Detain 16 in Northern Israel Over Illegal Underage Weddings

Dozens of police officers raided the town of Yavniel in the Lower Galilee on Thursday, detaining 16 individuals suspected of participating in or preparing for illegal underage weddings. The suspects include minors and adults from the local community. This operation is part of an ongoing police effort to combat the phenomenon of child marriage within the community, which is described as small and closed.

This recent raid follows a similar operation several weeks ago where over 20 additional suspects were detained. During Thursday's raid, a woman known for her activism against child marriage was also detained on suspicion of attempting to arrange a marriage for her own underage daughter. Police stated that the ceremonies often occur in the morning with a small group of attendees, and organizers take precautions to prevent documentation, such as prohibiting phones and delaying location sharing until the last minute. A larger public celebration, disguised as an engagement party, often follows the religious ceremony.

The issue has drawn attention from lawmakers, with MK Merav Cohen, chairwoman of the Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women, visiting Yavniel to address the ongoing problem and perceived inaction by local authorities. Cohen criticized the head of the Yavniel local council for not attending Knesset discussions or site visits related to the issue, stating that her committee had to attend a council meeting uninvited to demand action. She also alleged that the local welfare department is failing, leaving the lives of boys and girls subjected to forced marriages at risk. Cohen noted that the community in Yavniel, which she described as a sect, comprises hundreds of families, with a child giving birth almost every month.

Police emphasized their commitment to a focused and continuous struggle against underage marriage, particularly within this closed community. They pledged to continue thorough investigations in cooperation with law enforcement and welfare agencies to prosecute those involved and prevent the continuation of the practice. The police reiterated their determination to act decisively against any offense harming minors and the defenseless, including illegal child marriages, stating that the recent investigations are part of a sustained effort to protect the safety, security, and rights of minors.