IDF Ultra-Orthodox Draft Dodger Arrest Operation Canceled Last Minute

According to Kan News, senior police officials initially refused to provide security for the operation, particularly in the Tel Aviv district. Police leadership expressed concerns that the arrests would trigger widespread protests within the ultra-Orthodox community that could escalate and disrupt activities on the upcoming election day, creating a situation that forces would struggle to manage.

Following the cancellation, the IDF accused the police of demanding that the military allocate approximately 300 military police soldiers to handle public order during the arrests. IDF sources argued that managing public disturbances in civilian areas is the responsibility of the police, not the army. The Israel Police refuted these claims, stating that arresting deserters is the responsibility and under the leadership of the IDF, with the police serving only in a supporting capacity.

This dispute follows a High Court of Justice ruling mandating increased enforcement against draft evaders. Two days prior to the cancellation, both the IDF and the police acknowledged to legal advisors that no proactive arrests of draft evaders had been made in recent months. Furthermore, police data revealed that the Military Police failed to respond promptly in 144 encounters with draft evaders since July.