Dozens of Chabad Students Detained at Ben Gurion Airport as Suspected Draft Dodgers

The mass arrests caused logistical difficulties for the military police, who were unprepared for the large volume of detainees arriving on a single flight. While officials initially considered releasing the students to their homes, a strict directive was issued to hold them. According to the publication Pargud, the students had intentionally flown together to challenge military authorities. The IDF confirmed the arrests, stating that the military police regularly enforce the Security Service Law at all border crossings and that those obligated to enlist will be judged under the law.

The incident, occurring one week before Israel's national election, sparked sharp political reactions and outrage within the Haredi community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized the arrests as unacceptable, arguing they jeopardize efforts to reach a conscription agreement. Conversely, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused Netanyahu of trading draft exemptions for political power. The detentions follow a series of intense protests by Haredi factions against the arrest of draft dodgers, including recent highway blockades and clashes with police.