Netanyahu Decries Arrest of Haredi Jews Refusing Military Service Amid Electoral Concerns
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong disapproval over the detention of 40 Haredi Jewish individuals at Ben Gurion Airport. These individuals were reportedly arrested for refusing to join the Israeli military. Netanyahu described the arrests as “unacceptable” and stated that Haredi Jews should not be subject to such detentions.
Netanyahu, who is actively seeking the support of the Haredi community to form a government, expressed his hope that Haredi parties would not shift their allegiance toward his rival, Gadi Eisenkot. The Haredi population constitutes 13 percent of Israeli settlers and generally opposes mandatory military service, citing their commitment to religious studies as a reason for exemption, which they view as a right.
Reports from Israeli media indicated that the arrests occurred yesterday as more than 40 individuals, identified as Haredi Jews and evading military service, were apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport. These individuals had arrived from the United States and were taken into custody upon their arrival.
The number of Israelis categorized as “draft dodgers” within the Israeli military has seen a significant surge, increasing from approximately 75,000 at the beginning of 2026 to around 110,000. This unprecedented rise is projected to continue in the coming period.
Military estimates suggest that ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim, account for approximately 80 percent of all individuals currently classified as military service violators.
