The IDF has postponed an operation to arrest Chareidi men classified as deserters after senior police officials declined to provide security, warning that the arrests could ignite protests lasting through Election Day.

The operation had been scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday of next week. According to a report Wednesday evening, police leadership refused to allocate Tel Aviv District forces to secure the activity, leading the military to delay it.

Police officials reportedly feared that arrests so close to the elections would trigger widespread demonstrations in the Chareidi community and intensify tensions ahead of the vote.

During an internal discussion involving senior police officials, concerns were raised that protests could continue beyond the days immediately following the arrests and disrupt Election Day itself. Officials feared disturbances on a scale that available forces would struggle to manage.

The IDF confirmed that the operation had been postponed.

“In light of considerations raised by the Israel Police, the arrest activity planned for next week is being postponed,” the military said. “Activity in civilian areas requires coordination and cooperation with the Israel Police.”

Police had not issued a response to the report.

Meanwhile, a separate report said the state must inform the High Court of Justice on Thursday what steps it is taking to arrest Chareidi deserters.

According to police figures cited in that report, officers encountered 143 Chareidi deserters since July but released them at the scene because military police did not arrive in time to take custody.

The report also claimed that military police arrested only 15 Chareidi deserters during that period, alongside 14 non-Chareidi deserters. It cited an estimate of approximately 50,000 Chareidi men classified as deserters in Israel.

The IDF disputed the figures and rejected the suggestion that its enforcement efforts had stalled.

“The figure presented is unsubstantiated and does not correspond to the information held by the IDF,” the military said. “Contrary to the claims, proactive enforcement activity by military police soldiers continues and takes place regularly through a variety of methods.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)