Jerusalem, 15 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces canceled a planned operation to arrest Haredi draft evaders after police refused to provide security, citing concerns that the arrests could trigger widespread protests ahead of the October 27 elections.
The operation was scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday next week, but senior police officials reportedly decided against deploying the Tel Aviv District to secure the arrests, fearing demonstrations could disrupt election preparations and voting.
The IDF had planned the operation as part of efforts to enforce military conscription laws following legal pressure to increase enforcement against Haredi men who refuse to enlist. The cancellation highlights continuing tensions between the military and police over responsibility for carrying out arrests in civilian areas.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of the limited number of Haredi draft evaders arrested and disputes over coordination between the two forces.
