Jerusalem March Honors Draft Dodgers Amid Cash Prize Promises

A "Welcome for Released Deserters" march took place in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening, organized by the Jerusalem Faction and the extremist Adah Hachareidis. Participants were promised a significant cash prize at the event's conclusion. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, condemned the march, stating, "It's as if they were released now after three years of fighting in Gaza. These are Netanyahu's partners." This event follows a report from Kan News last week that the IDF and police have stopped proactively arresting draft dodgers, contrary to a Supreme Court ruling. Senior law enforcement officials reportedly cited deterrence from Haredi demonstrations as the reason for this policy shift. In April, the Supreme Court ruled unequivocally that significant enforcement and proactive operations against draft dodgers are necessary. The judges warned that a lack of arrests due to fear of confrontation sends a dangerous message that law enforcement can be "bent." Following this ruling, arrests resumed, leading to protests within the Haredi community. However, in the past two months, proactive arrest operations have largely ceased, with most arrests occurring at Ben Gurion Airport. The state is required to respond to the Supreme Court by October 15th, presenting relevant data, and judges are unlikely to approve the current arrest policy.