Haredi Draft Dodger Freed After Soldiers Trapped by Protesters

In Modi'in, an attempt by military police to arrest a Haredi youth for failing to report for service ended with his release after hundreds of protesters surrounded soldiers in a residential building. Police called to the scene engaged in negotiations with protest activists, which resulted in the draft dodger's release in exchange for the soldiers' safe exit. The incident began Tuesday night when military police arrived at the youth's home. The "Tzeva Kachol" (Black Color) alert system, active within the Haredi sector, reported the arrest and called for supporters to gather. Hundreds of protesters, reportedly from the mainstream Haredi community, quickly arrived, blocking access routes and trapping the military police soldiers inside the building. Physical confrontations ensued, escalating to the point where a policewoman was assaulted. Fearing for the soldiers' safety, a large police force was deployed. During the peak of the confrontation, police negotiated directly with activists from "Tzeva Kachol." The protesters agreed to allow the soldiers to leave only after the police agreed to release the draft dodger. An organizer from "Tzeva Kachol" then used an MDA (Magen David Adom) vehicle's loudspeaker to instruct protesters to let the soldiers depart, stating the youth was released due to "agreements with the police."

The incident drew sharp political criticism. Moti Leitner, chairman of the 'Haredi Public' party, called for condemnation of the event and blamed extremist factions, stating, "The violent thugs of the Jerusalem Faction are terrorizing the State of Israel. These wild animals belong behind bars." Leitner added that even if arrests are ineffective for recruitment efforts, Haredi party leaders must condemn the riots against soldiers, asserting, "We Haredim are the immediate victims of this deranged group of violent individuals, and after us, the entire State of Israel. It's time to put an end to this."

This event follows a period where authorities largely avoided proactive arrests of Haredi youths failing to report for enlistment. The military police's direct approach to the home indicates a targeted enforcement attempt that ultimately retreated in the face of mass opposition.