Israeli authorities have made a notable round of arrests at the country's main airport. CBS News reports that at least 40 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men were arrested at Ben Gurion Airport on suspicion of attempting to evade the country's military draft. The report was published just days before the national elections on 27 October.
Military service for ultra-Orthodox men is one of the most divisive issues in Israeli society. Many ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that full-time religious study should exempt young men from service, while many other Israelis say the burden of fighting, especially during the current period of war, should be shared more fairly. The question has long been a source of tension in coalition politics.
I have only seen the headline and summary, so I do not know the legal basis for the arrests, whether those detained were leaving the country or what penalties they face. Evading the draft can carry legal consequences, but the details depend on Israeli law and procedure. The headline also uses the phrase draft dodgers, which is the network's description, and the men have the right to contest the allegations.
The timing is politically sensitive. Parties representing ultra-Orthodox voters are likely to protest against arrests, while others will praise enforcement. Prime Minister Netanyahu is seeking reelection, with an endorsement from President Trump and a visit this week from the U.S. Defense Secretary, and the draft debate may influence how some voters decide. Watch for court decisions, protests and statements from party leaders. The issue is unlikely to be resolved quickly, whatever the election result.
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