The IDF's Human Resources Division has begun issuing threats of military police arrests to thousands of Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) yeshiva students who have failed to report for mandatory military service, according to multiple sources within the religious community.
Military officials have been calling parents of yeshiva students who didn't respond to their draft notices, warning that military police could arrive at their homes to arrest their sons. "The military police will knock on your door, take him, arrest him - there's an arrest warrant against him," one female officer was recorded telling a parent in a call obtained by Kikar HaShabbat.
However, security analysts and political observers note that any attempt at mass arrests of yeshiva students is unlikely, especially now – it would likely trigger widespread protests and civil unrest throughout Israel. Also, Netanyahu's right-wing coalition could crumble if the IDF actually enforces this and arrests thousands of draft dodgers.
The ultra-Orthodox community has historically responded to such enforcement actions with large-scale demonstrations, and in the current tense political climate, particularly during wartime, such moves could lead to dangerous confrontations in Jerusalem and other cities with significant Haredi populations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz recently authorized sending 7,000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox men, continuing a policy from his predecessor Yoav Gallant's tenure. But the military's threats of enforcement come as leading rabbinical authorities continue to instruct their students not to comply with the draft.
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the son of Rav Ovadiya Yosef ztz"l, recently told students to destroy any draft notices they receive. "If you receive a draft order - tear it up, throw it in the toilet and flush," he said. "Don't be afraid, God is with you. We hope this will pass. This is a very difficult period for the yeshiva world, there are decrees, be strong."
The IDF's Human Resources Division maintained that the calls are part of standard procedure for draft evasion cases, but declined to comment on specific enforcement plans.
Meanwhile, ultra-Orthodox community leaders have begun organizing legal support for any students who might face arrest, while emphasizing their commitment to following rabbinical guidance over military orders.
A parent who received one of the warning calls told Kikar HaShabbat: "An arrest warrant doesn't threaten us religious Jews. We will do what our rabbis tell us to do." The military representative reportedly responded: "I'm not threatening you, I'm just telling you what's going to happen - there is an arrest warrant."
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