Israeli Lawmaker Accuses Authorities of Election Interference Over Yeshiva Students' Detention

Asher alleges that the increased detentions during the election period are an attempt to instill fear in the Haredi public and disrupt the democratic process. He stated that he has been warning for some time about attempts to disrupt the elections through unnecessary arrests that do not benefit the army or recruitment.

Asher further suggested that the detention of these students could lead to protests and public tension, which would serve the interests of certain political factions. He believes this is part of a planned campaign to create chaos and incite demonstrations, thereby generating public noise that benefits specific groups. He urged Judge Sohlberg to instruct the police to cease these "proactive arrests" during this sensitive period, arguing they exacerbate societal divisions rather than aid the military.

Concurrently, MK Meir Porush announced he is in contact with officials in the IDF and the Ministry of Defense to assist the detained students returning from the United States. Porush criticized the detention of the Chabad students, who were returning from their studies in the US, calling it a violation of the Law of Return and a manifestation of the "ugly face" of the state's judicial and penal systems, all due to Torah study. He noted his past efforts to regulate the status of Chabad yeshiva students and is now working to help those detained at the airport.

The IDF spokesperson confirmed that the detained individuals are subject to conscription and will be judged according to the law. The military police, in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority and other bodies, are enforcing the security service law at border crossings.