Outrage as Haredi Protesters Celebrate Draft Evader’s Release During IDF Deaths Announcement

Video published Friday from the military prison gates sparked backlash after dozens of Haredi men were filmed dancing with a draft evader who had just been released, at the same time the IDF announced the deaths of four soldiers in southern Lebanon. The timing of the celebration, during the period when casualty names are cleared for publication, drew particular criticism.

According to the report, the protesters had gathered earlier near the prison, blocked traffic in the area, and clashed with police when officers began removing them by force. The scene escalated after the release of the detainee, identified as Aviel Cohen, a student at the Beit HaTalmud yeshiva.

The footage, shown at the military prison entrance, set off public outrage because the celebrations took place while the army was informing the public about the fallen troops in the north. No further details were provided about the released man’s detention or the four soldiers killed.