Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters block Highway 4 over detention of draft dodger, August 12, 2026. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)
'Israeli' Haredis protest over draft dodger arrests
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Police declare demonstration illegal.
- Shas MK challenges arrest of alleged draft dodger.
- Protest reignites debate over Haredi conscription.
'Israeli' Haredi demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak on Wednesday in protest against the detention of a draft dodger, according to N12 News, with the 'Israel' Police declaring the demonstration illegal later in the day.
Footage released by N12 later showed the demonstrators leaving the highway and heading into Bnei Brak.
Commenting on the protest in an X post later on Wednesday, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman stated that the demonstrators would make "great soldiers" if they can "block roads in this heat."
"After October 27, they won't have time for blockades - they'll be busy putting on uniforms!" Liberman added.
אם בחום הזה המשתמטים יכולים לחסום כבישים - הם יכולים להיות יופי של חיילים.
— אביגדור ליברמן (@AvigdorLiberman) August 12, 2026
אחרי ה-27.10 לא יהיה להם זמן לחסימות - הם יהיו עסוקים בלעלות על מדים!
Controversy surrounds detention
According to Ynet, the suspect was initially summoned by Lahav 433 for questioning, whereupon he was transferred to the military police once it became apparent that he was a draft dodger.
Shas MK Moshe Abutbul claimed that the man, whom he described as a "yeshiva guy," had approached police to "assist" in an ongoing fraud investigation, stating that he contacted Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Danny Levi regarding the incident.
"This is a crossing of a red line and a serious violation of the commissioner's commitment to the Haredi public," said Abutbul. "This is not how you build trust. This is how you destroy it."
Police disputed Abutbul's description of events leading to the draft dodger's detention, noting that the suspect would not have been transferred to the military police if he were simply someone coming to give testimony, Ynet reported.
"The suspect was summoned for questioning with a warning at Lahav 433 for serious criminal offenses," police said in a statement. "Upon learning that the suspect was wanted by the military police, a report was submitted as is customary and required."
Police added that "any other publication is incorrect and intended to reinforce a biased and false narrative."
Calls for policy reform
In a letter addressed to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Abutbul demanded that procedures for Haredim to file complaints with the police be refined to prevent similar detentions.
"Their (police) procedures need to be refined immediately and clearly to allow haredim to file complaints at police stations without being arrested," wrote Abutbul. "Continuing such conduct could seriously damage public trust in the police, and cause citizens to avoid contacting them when necessary, which could cost lives."
The demonstration represents the latest protest against attempts to draft Haredim into the 'Israeli' military and the arrests of those who refuse draft orders, a central issue heading into the upcoming October elections.
