Military Police Failed to Immediately Detain Deserter Amidst Protest

A police investigation into disturbances in Modi'in on Tuesday revealed that a small contingent of military police arrived at the scene but did not immediately detain a deserter as per protocol. Instead, they allowed the individual a significant amount of time to organize themselves. The situation escalated as dozens of demonstrators gathered, prompting the Israel Police to be called in to assist in extracting the military police force and restoring order.

The police stated that the decision to release the deserter and issue him a status regulation order was made by IDF officials, not the Israel Police. They emphasized that police forces were dispatched at the IDF's request to facilitate the decision and maintain public order.

Conversely, the IDF claims that the police were the ones who decided to release the deserter. Ofer Winter, Chairman of the "Am Israel" party, strongly criticized the Prime Minister and government for their silence on the matter. Winter described the incident as extremist Haredi rioters breaking into a building in Modi'in to prevent a deserter's arrest, requiring security forces to rescue soldiers. He expressed outrage at the perceived loss of control and the lack of condemnation from the coalition, specifically questioning the silence of Smotrich, the Minister of Police, and the Prime Minister. Winter noted that Goldknopf was the only one to condemn the incident, but he condemned the IDF, calling the situation a disgrace and criticizing the silence of those in power.