Police Detain 16 in Northern Israel Over Illegal Minor Marriages

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 marriages involving minors. The suspects include both minors and adults from the community. This operation is part of an ongoing police effort to combat the phenomenon of child marriage within the local community, which is described as a small, closed group.

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 these ceremonies often occur in the morning with a small number 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 police emphasized their commitment to a focused and continuous struggle against this illegal practice, which allegedly takes place within a closed community primarily operating in Yavniel. They pledged to continue thorough investigations in cooperation with law enforcement and welfare authorities to prosecute offenders and prevent future occurrences.

MK Merav Cohen, chair of the Knesset Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women, criticized the local council head for not attending previous discussions on the issue. Cohen visited Yavniel to demand an urgent council meeting, stating that the local welfare department is failing and that the lives of boys and girls are being endangered. She noted that the community in Yavniel comprises hundreds of families, with a child giving birth almost every month. The police reiterated their determination to act decisively against any offense harming minors, including illegal child marriages, to protect their safety, security, and rights.