The IDF is preparing to launch proactive operations to arrest “draft dodgers” in Chareidi areas as early as next week, Kan News reported on Wednesday evening.

The IDF has requested assistance from the police for the operation. In the coming days, the police and military are expected to hold joint assessments, with current estimates reportedly involving the allocation of hundreds of police officers to the task.

The IDF spokesperson said in a statement: “In recent days, joint planning efforts have been taking place with the Israel Police to coordinate military police enforcement operations in public areas. We emphasize that this coordination is critical and affects the areas in which the IDF can operate in order to carry out arrests.”

In the past, Police Commissioner Dani Levy refused to allocate police forces for operations of this kind. However, a recent ruling by Israel’s High Court criticized the police over what it described as insufficient enforcement.

Meanwhile, following UTJ chairman Moshe Gafni’s directive to party representatives across the country to cease cooperation with the Israel Police, Levy held a situational assessment on Wednesday evening regarding relations with the Chareidi public.

During the discussion, Levy emphasized that responsibility for handling draft dodgers lies with the IDF and the Military Police, while the Israel Police only provides assistance, as it does to other enforcement bodies.

Senior police officials said that despite the current tensions, cooperation with the Chareidi public continues, and that regular communication channels exist between police commanders at all levels and Rabbanim and public figures in the Chareidi community.

During the meeting, Levy announced his intention to hold a meeting soon with the heads of Chareidi municipalities.

He also ordered a review of the issue of detaining Chareidim who come to police stations to file complaints, and to ensure that Chareidim can safely enter police stations, report crimes, and receive police services without fears of being arrested.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)