Haredi Protests Resume Over Arrest of Draft-Dodger Suspect in Central Israel

Haredi protests are set to resume in central Israel following the arrest of a draft-dodging suspect who was taken into military custody after being summoned to the Lahav 433 police unit. The incident has reignited tensions as Haredi activists claim the arrest violates a police chief's promise that draft-dodgers arriving to give testimony would not be detained. The suspect was reportedly called to Lahav 433 on Monday to provide testimony but was subsequently arrested and transferred to a military prison.

The Haredi group known as the "Hertzafnikim," students of Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, announced they will renew demonstrations, likely starting at 5 p.m. near Bnei Brak and on major roads such as Geha Road and Jabotinsky Street, anticipating significant traffic disruptions. The protests come after several weeks of relative calm in the ongoing campaign against the conscription of Haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces.

Police responded by clarifying that the suspect was summoned as a suspect in a forged driver's license case, not as a witness, and therefore the police chief's directive does not apply. They explained that once it was discovered the individual was also wanted by the military police, he was handed over accordingly. The police emphasized that if he had been a witness or victim, he would not have been detained.

Shas MK Moshe Abutbul called on Police Commissioner Dany Levi to investigate the case, describing the arrest as a "serious breach" of the police chief's commitment to the Haredi community. He demanded clear procedures to allow Haredi youths to approach police stations without fear of arrest, warning that such incidents could erode public trust in law enforcement.

The police maintain that the suspect was aware he was being summoned under caution and that the handover to military police followed standard protocol. The renewed protests highlight the ongoing friction between the Haredi community and Israeli authorities over military conscription policies.