Protesters Disrupt Military Arrest Attempt in Modi'in, Deserter Released

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Modi'in late Tuesday night to disrupt the arrest of a military deserter, leading to clashes with police and military police. The military police arrived to apprehend the deserter, but were met by hundreds of demonstrators, dressed in black, who blocked their efforts. The military police called for assistance from the civilian police to extricate them.

According to a witness, police officers recommended that the military police release the deserter to de-escalate the situation. The deserter, who had already been handcuffed, was subsequently released. Tensions escalated at the entrance to the building where the deserter resides, with dozens of protesters barricading themselves on the 11th floor alongside military and civilian police in an attempt to force the authorities to abandon the operation. Ultimately, the military police left the scene.

Yaakov Chaim Miller, chairman of the "Tzeva Shahor" party, criticized the lack of representation from Haredi Knesset members at the scene, stating, "I saw no Haredi MKs or aides here. And this is after they asked the public for forgiveness." Moti Leitner, chairman of the "HaTzibur HaHaredi" party, condemned the actions, calling the protesters "violent thugs of the Jerusalem Faction" and stating that "their place is behind bars." Leitner urged politicians like Deri, Azar, and Goldknopf to condemn the violence against IDF soldiers and the rampant lawlessness, emphasizing that the Haredi community is the immediate victim of these "deluded violent people," followed by the entire state of Israel. He called for an end to such behavior and for responsible leadership.