The police demanded the mobilization of six reserve Border Police companies as a condition for launching an operation to arrest Bnei Torah designated as “draft evaders” in Chareidi cities and neighborhoods, Kan News reported.

The issue arose on Thursday during a follow-up discussion held by Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara on implementing the Supreme Court ruling regarding the conscription of bnei yeshivos. attended by army and police representatives. IDF representatives requested assistance in detaining draft evaders and holding them until the Military Police arrive.

Police representatives responded that they cannot do so due to their extensive responsibilities in maintaining public order and combating crime and terrorism—particularly during the month of Ramadan.

Baharav-Miara retorted that the police’s response is “unacceptable” and incompatible with its legal duty to enforce the law. “The Military Police cannot currently conduct proactive operations against Chareidi draft evaders,” she complained. “This situation is inconsistent with the obligations of all relevant state bodies to enforce the law. As military officials clarified, the result is real harm to effective enforcement of the draft obligation.”

Following the meeting, Baharav-Miara published conclusions from the follow-up meeting, outlining additional measures the state intends to implement against Chareidi draft evaders: revocation of municipal property tax discounts, cancellation of public transportation benefits, termination of rental assistance, and revocation of housing purchase subsidies.

Military Advocate General Itai Ofir updated the Attorney General that harsher penalties against bnei yeshivos will be finalized within about two months.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)