Ultra-Orthodox Demonstrators Arrested After Attempting to Breach IDF Office
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Two ultra-Orthodox men were arrested in Bnei Brak for attempting to breach an office building housing an IDF unit. The incident occurred amid ongoing debate and reports about the low number of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers apprehended. Political leaders condemned the actions, with some calling the perpetrators terrorists. The IDF stated that its enforcement activities are ongoing and routine.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two ultra-Orthodox men were arrested in Bnei Brak for attempting to break into an IDF office building.
- Political leaders Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman strongly condemned the actions of the demonstrators.
- The incident occurred ahead of a High Court of Justice deadline regarding ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers.
- Estimates suggest around 50,000 ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers exist in Israel.
- The IDF disputed recent reports on low arrest numbers, asserting its enforcement activities are routine.
Two ultra-Orthodox individuals were arrested Wednesday evening on suspicion of attempting to break into an office building housing an IDF unit in Bnei Brak. Police arrived at the scene following reports of several ultra-Orthodox demonstrators trying to force their way into the structure. The two suspects were taken for questioning at the police station.
Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Habayit Hayehudi party, commented on the incident, stating, "The Haredi rioters feel entitled because they hear Deri promising an exemption law after the elections, and they see Netanyahu backing him." He added, "This is the Netanyahu-Deri legacy: the government abandons those who serve for the sake of draft dodgers. If we do not dismantle the anti-Zionist Haredi state, we will lose the Zionist state."
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, declared, "Right now, dozens of draft dodgers are trying to forcibly break into a military base. Anyone trying to break into an IDF base is simply a terrorist; they must all be arrested now and thrown in jail."
The disturbance occurred the day before the state was due to inform the High Court of Justice about measures being taken to stop ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. This follows recent reports indicating very low arrest numbers and perceived inaction by the IDF in enforcement efforts. It is estimated that there are around 50,000 ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers in Israel. According to police data, only 143 draft dodgers were apprehended and released in the area since July, as the military police did not arrive in time. During this period, the military police arrested only 15 ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, in addition to 14 non-ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers.
The IDF spokesperson responded, "The presented data is unfounded and does not align with the information held by the IDF. Contrary to the claims, the proactive enforcement activities of military police soldiers continue and are carried out routinely through various operational methods."
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