Full Breakdown
Clashes in Modi’in Highlight Israel’s Draft-Evasion Crisis Ahead of Election
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident in Modi’in
Overnight on Monday, Military Police moved to arrest a man identified as a draft evader in Modi’in. Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) protesters, mobilized through the “Color Black” alert system, converged on the residence, attempting to breach the building and block the officers. Police forces, including Israel Police units, were called in to extract the soldiers and restore order. After intense confrontations—reportedly involving pepper spray and barricades on the 11th-floor entrance—the handcuffed draft evader was released and the Military Police withdrew.
Background & Context
Israel’s mandatory military service has long been contested by the Haredi community, which traditionally receives deferments for Torah study. A June 2024 Supreme Court ruling stripped the government of authority to exempt yeshiva students, mandating equal enforcement of the Defense Service Law. Subsequent rulings in 2025 required the state to develop an effective enforcement policy. Despite these mandates, proactive arrests have been limited; authorities focused on border crossings and holiday periods.
Data & Statistics
- From September 1-22, 2024, security forces arrested 212 draft evaders and deserters at Ben-Gurion Airport, the Allenby Bridge, and the Begin crossing; 163 were identified as Haredi.
- Between January 1 and September 23, prosecutors filed 360 indictments for draft evasion; 49 involved Haredi individuals, with only 16 filed by June 2024, indicating a recent increase.
- Haredim constitute roughly 13 % of Israel’s >10 million population, many of whom refuse service on religious grounds.
Official Statements & Responses
A Justice Ministry summary, prepared by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Limon, outlines the legal framework and recent enforcement actions.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leader Yair Lapid questioned the rule of law, posting, “Is there no rule of law in this country?” Avigdor Liberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, called the protesters “rioters attacking soldiers and police.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The violent thugs of the Jerusalem Faction are terrorizing the State of Israel. These savages belong behind bars. Regardless of the fact that arrests do not help efforts to draft the ultra-Orthodox, Deri, Asher and Goldknopf must condemn the violent rioting against IDF soldiers and the rampant lawlessness in the streets.” — Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party
- “Is there no rule of law in this country?” — Yair Lapid
Why It Matters / Impact
The Modi’in clash has thrust the Haredi draft-evasion dispute into the center of the election campaign. Opposition parties pledge to end exemptions and cut funding for institutions that shield draft-evading students, while the Netanyahu coalition relies on Haredi parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism for parliamentary support. The incident underscores troop-shortage concerns amid ongoing operations on multiple fronts and raises questions about the state’s capacity to enforce the law uniformly.
What’s Next
- Mid-October (scheduled): Deputy Attorney-General Limon has asked agencies to provide updated arrest, indictment, disciplinary and enlistment figures.
- Mid-October (scheduled): The state must submit its next update to the High Court on enforcement measures.
- Proactive enforcement operations are expected to resume later this month, with coordinated Military Police and Israel Police actions planned to address “exceptional incidents.”
These steps will likely influence both Israel’s security posture and the political calculus of parties vying for power in the upcoming election.