IDF Admits to Limited Arrests of Draft Dodgers, Police Blame Military for Modi'in Chaos
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The IDF has confirmed that eight draft dodgers and deserters were arrested in September during 15 proactive attempts, a figure representing a small fraction of the total number of individuals evading service. Meanwhile, police are attributing the recent chaos in Modi'in, where a deserter was not apprehended, to the actions of the Military Police. Residents of the affected building described feeling unsafe as their homes were overrun by protesters.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eight draft dodgers and deserters were arrested in September out of 15 proactive attempts by the IDF.
- The arrests represent only 0.01% of the approximately 80,000 registered draft dodgers and deserters in Israel.
- Police are blaming the Military Police for the chaotic events in Modi'in where a deserter was not apprehended.
- Hundreds of Haredim gathered in Modi'in, surrounding and entering a building to prevent an arrest.
- The majority of draft dodgers and deserters are from the Haredi community.
The IDF spokesperson clarified on Tuesday that proactive operations to apprehend draft dodgers and deserters were indeed carried out in September, contradicting an earlier statement. During these operations, eight individuals were arrested out of 15 attempted proactive arrests. This represents only 0.01% of the approximately 80,000 registered draft dodgers and deserters, the majority of whom are from the Haredi community. The IDF stated that during the High Holidays, patrols and readiness for arrests were increased at border crossings, leading to over 200 arrests of draft dodgers and deserters, often Haredim attempting to travel to Uman, who were subsequently released. The Military Police also conducted proactive arrests in coordination with the Israel Police.
However, police are blaming the Military Police for the chaos that erupted in Modi'in. According to the police, military officers tasked with arresting a deserter at his parents' non-Haredi home in Modi'in delayed their departure with the detainee. This delay allowed hundreds of Haredim, associated with the group "Tzeva Shehor" (Black Flag), to surround the building and enter it, causing distress to residents. The deserter was ultimately not apprehended. Police sources indicated that the decision to release the deserter and issue him a status arrangement order was made by the IDF, not the police, and that police forces were dispatched to assist in implementing the IDF's decision. Police in the Shfela region are investigating the incident, acknowledging that rioters perceive themselves as having the upper hand against law enforcement.
