Nighttime Ashdod stop ends with release after crowd gathers

A rare late-night incident unfolded at the entrance to Ashdod, near the Big shopping center, when Ashdod patrol officers set up a police checkpoint and stopped a car carrying several yeshiva students. During the roadside inspection, officers identified one passenger as an Israel Defense Forces draft evader. They then called in Military Police to take the young man into custody for further handling.

News of the stop quickly spread through phone alert chains used to mobilize protests against arrests of yeshiva students. After the message that "the kidnappers have arrived" was circulated, dozens of demonstrators rushed to the checkpoint and surrounded the officers and the detained vehicle.

Faced with the growing crowd and fearing escalation and unrest, the police commander at the scene decided to release the yeshiva student immediately, even though he had been identified as a draft evader. He also ordered the checkpoint dismantled and the officers to leave the area to calm the situation.

The demonstrators then began dancing to the song "Otzvu Eitzah VeTufar," and within minutes dispersed. According to the report, they had managed to prevent another arrest of a yeshiva student over refusal to serve in the army.