![Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi) protest against the failure to pass a legal arrangement exempting yeshiva students from mandatory military service and the issuance of draft notices to members of their community in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 28, 2026. [Gideon Markowicz - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AA-20260428-41236064-41236044-ULTRAORTHODOX_JEWS_RALLY_AGAINST_MILITARY_CONSCRIPTION_IN_TEL_AVIV.jpg)
The Israeli army has halted arrests of ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews wanted for failing to comply with military draft orders amid concerns that the arrests could trigger protests, according to Israeli media. Haaretz reported Friday that the army had decided to suspend arrests of Haredi draft dodgers over fears of unrest and protests across the country as Israeli elections approach. The army attributed the move to “operational needs,” without providing further details, according to the newspaper. Haaretz said arrests had been extremely limited even before the decision was taken. According to figures cited in an Israeli Supreme Court ruling, only 16 Haredi draft dodgers were arrested during the first half of 2026, the newspaper said. Haaretz cited unnamed police sources as […]
