Gur Hassidim Rushed to Prevent Arrest in Arad, Mistake Revealed

Dozens of Gur Hassidim gathered in Arad early Monday morning after receiving an alert that military police were attempting to arrest a Hassidic scholar at his home. The alert, disseminated around 1 a.m. via the "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color) system used to mobilize activists concerned about yeshiva students, claimed military police were at the scholar's residence on Yehuda Street. The Hassidim responded to the call, leading to a large gathering and initial reports that their presence prevented an arrest.

However, it was later clarified that the police officers were not from the military police, and there was no attempt to arrest the scholar for failing to report for military service. The alert was based on a mistaken identification of the officers. The police force in the area belonged to the Israel Police, not the military police.

"Tzeva Shachor" issued a clarification, stating that prior to the alert, they received several indications suggesting the presence of military enforcement. They acted quickly out of concern, but upon the arrival of residents and further investigation, it became clear the incident did not involve the military police.

Arad Mayor Yair Maayan condemned the gathering, calling it a violent riot against Israel Police officers. He urged the Minister of Public Security and the Police Commissioner to enforce the law against the rioters, stating that Israel would not descend into anarchy and that those who attack police officers would be dealt with severely. Maayan added that he had spoken with station and district commanders, demanding the arrest and prosecution of the attackers.