Police Clarify Yeshiva Student's Military Extradition Amid Growing Ultra-Orthodox Protests

The Israeli police issued a clarification following the military extradition of yeshiva student Moshe Steiner, aiming to reduce tensions, but the move has instead intensified anger within the ultra-Orthodox community. Steiner was initially reported to have been summoned for testimony, but police stated he was interrogated as a suspect in serious criminal offenses. During the investigation, it was revealed that Steiner is also a military deserter, prompting the police to notify the military police as required.

The police statement emphasized that Steiner was summoned for questioning under caution at Lahav 433 on suspicion of serious offenses, and any other reports were misleading and intended to support a false narrative. Steiner is suspected of involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain driver's licenses, where unqualified individuals were helped to pass tests by proxies.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders expressed strong frustration with the police, criticizing the handling of the case and the growing distrust between the community and law enforcement over military deserter arrests. One source described the police chief’s approach as creating chaos, questioning the criteria for extraditions. The case has also prompted political attention, with MK Moshe Abutbul demanding clarifications from Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

In response to Steiner’s extradition, the extremist Jerusalem faction of the ultra-Orthodox community is preparing protests and roadblocks in central Israel, particularly around Bnei Brak, expected around 4 p.m. This follows a three-week period without military deserter arrests nationwide. The protests are anticipated to take place on Highway 4 or Jabotinsky Street, continuing a pattern of demonstrations against such military enforcement actions.