IDF and Police Clash Over Canceled Haredi Deserter Arrest Operation
The IDF and Israel Police have clashed over the cancellation of a major operation to arrest ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, amid an ongoing dispute regarding security responsibilities and civil unrest.
IDF and Police Clash Over Haredi Deserter Arrests
The Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Police have engaged in a public dispute after a planned multi-day operation to arrest ultra-Orthodox draft evaders was canceled. Military sources claimed the police called off the operation scheduled for next week because they demanded massive manpower from the military to handle civil disturbances.
The police strongly rejected the accusations, stating that the arrest of military deserters is the primary responsibility of the IDF and the Military Police, while the Israel Police serves only as a supporting entity. The dispute centers on security arrangements for arrest operations, which frequently trigger violent protests in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.
Attorney General Demands Resumption of Operations
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has repeatedly urged the military to resume arrest operations after the IDF admitted to pausing them during the holiday season. Despite previous directives from the Attorney General requiring the police to provide security support for these operations, coordination has broken down amid inter-agency friction.
The friction was underscored by recent incidents, including a riot in Bnei Brak where extremists attempted to storm a building housing Haredi soldiers serving in integration tracks. Two demonstrators were arrested following clashes with police. Reservist organizations sharply criticized the ongoing failure to protect soldiers and enforce conscription laws amid a severe personnel shortage.
"National security requires a large and strong army, and for that to happen we need more soldiers, not more threats against those who are already serving," reservist groups stated.
Failed Arrests and Escalating Tensions
Last week, Military Police forces failed to detain three Haredi deserters in Bat Yam and Dimona. Days earlier, hundreds of radical ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked an attempted arrest in Modiin, leading to mutual recriminations between military and police officials over operational responsibilities.
