Israeli Draft Dodgers Exploit Gate Pass System to Flee Country

Ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers and individuals summoned for police questioning are reportedly leaving Israel via Ben Gurion Airport using a scheme involving "hugging" other passengers at automated security gates. This method, known as "Gate Pass," allows wanted individuals to slip through border control by closely following legitimate travelers. In some instances, these individuals allegedly pay other departing passengers several hundred shekels to facilitate their exit.

Mako reports that authorities suspect a well-organized network is operating within Israel, connecting draft dodgers with travelers to exploit momentary lapses in inspector vigilance at the gates. After successfully bypassing border checks, these individuals often fly to countries like Poland, Moldova, or Romania, subsequently traveling to Uman, Ukraine, for the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

A source familiar with the situation explained that by closely following other passengers, they are not officially registered as having left the country, and the same tactic is used upon return. However, the source noted that most who escape arrest through this method do not return to Israel. Police and border inspectors have apprehended dozens of draft dodgers attempting to flee using this method, though some still manage to evade capture and remain abroad indefinitely to avoid arrest by law enforcement and the IDF military police.