Haredi Lawmakers Outraged Over Arrests of Draft Dodgers

The IDF stated that the individuals are legally obligated to enlist and will face legal proceedings. The military plans to offer the detainees the option to enlist, promising disciplinary consideration for those who agree. Those who refuse will face enforcement proceedings, which may include military prison. The IDF emphasized its commitment to the equal enforcement of the Security Service Law at all border crossings in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority.

The operation sparked immediate political controversy, with several ultra-Orthodox lawmakers accusing law enforcement of election interference, as the detainees had returned to Israel to vote. MK Yaakov Asher appealed to Noam Sohlberg, chairman of the Central Elections Committee, to halt proactive arrests during the election period. MK Meir Porush and the Shas movement also condemned the actions and worked to secure the men's release.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the arrests during an interview with the Kol Barama radio station, calling them unacceptable. Netanyahu expressed support for a regulated exemption law for Torah scholars while ensuring a shared burden of service.