Approximately 50 Chabad Hassidim were detained upon arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport from New York on Tuesday due to suspected draft evasion.
Key facts
- •The IDF confiscated the passports of several youths upon their arrival at the airport.
- •The detainees had been studying abroad at the 770 World Headquarters in New York for one year.
- •Detainees who refuse to enlist at the Tel Hashomer recruitment center face trial and military prison.
- •The Israel Police have been alerted to prepare for potential mass demonstrations near military facilities.
Approximately 50 Chabad Hassidim were detained at Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday morning after arriving from New York. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had advance notice of their arrival and detained the individuals on suspicion of draft evasion following a year of study at the 770 World Headquarters in New York.
Detention and Legal Process
Following the initial detentions, dozens of the individuals were reportedly released, while others were transferred into military custody. Those remaining in custody were transported by bus to the IDF recruitment center at Tel Hashomer to face trial. According to Army Radio, detainees are being offered the option to enlist immediately at the recruitment center to receive a suspended sentence. Those who decline this option will face trial and potential incarceration in a military prison.
Security and Potential Protests
The IDF has alerted the Israel Police in anticipation of potential protests by haredi factions near the Tel Hashomer base and Kfar Yona prison. Tensions between IDF soldiers and haredi groups have persisted throughout the year, with recent demonstrations occurring outside Military Prison 10 following similar arrests at the airport.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Jerusalem Post.
