Shmuel Isaac Heller, a 19-year-old talmid yeshiva, was placed in custody by military police upon arrival at an induction center. He came to declare his status and found himself in IDF Prison 6, sentenced to 21 days imprisonment.

Heller did not respond to earlier draft notices but at some point, he decided that he wishes to report to an induction center to clarify his status. As a result of ignoring earlier notices to report, he was listed among those who did not respond as compelled under the law. Hence an arrest warrant was issued and he was automatically placed in custody and jailed as a result.

It appears he did report to the IDF in the past expressing a desire to enter the military, but then disappeared for a year. He now decided to place his affairs in order and went to the Jerusalem induction center seeking a deferment from military service but it was too late. He was automatically placed in custody.

IDF officials explained the young man did not cooperate with military authorities and ignored his responsibilities under the law. Hence the arrest warrant was issued against him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)