Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodger Freed After Mob Blocks Police in Modiin

An overnight operation by military police to arrest an ultra-Orthodox draft dodger in Modiin ended in a riot and the release of the detainee. Hundreds of activists surrounded the residential building where the man was being held, trapping the police unit inside and forcing negotiations. The police ultimately agreed to release the draft dodger in exchange for a safe passage for the officers.

The incident began around midnight when military and police forces arrived at the man's home. According to Walla, the arrest was not carried out quietly because an emergency alert system, "Tzeva Shahor," was activated. This network, established by activists from the "Jerusalem Faction," aims to disrupt the IDF's conscription campaign by rapidly mobilizing people via hotlines.

The alert quickly drew a crowd of hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals who blocked all access to the building's entrance. Protesters attempted to force their way inside, leading to clashes with the police. Fearing for the safety of the trapped soldiers, the command dispatched reinforcements and initiated negotiations with the protest organizers.

An agreement was reached whereby the police would release the draft dodger, and the organizers would ensure the safe exit of the security forces. After the conscript's release, law enforcement evacuated the military personnel under heavy guard. Special YASAM unit officers then dispersed the remaining protesters.