The Israeli military has suspended arrests of ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews who have failed to comply with military draft orders, according to Israeli media, amid concerns that such arrests could spark renewed protests.
Haaretz reported Friday that the military decided to pause the arrests because of concerns about possible unrest as Israel approaches its upcoming elections.
According to the newspaper, the army cited “operational needs” for the decision but did not provide additional details.
Arrests had reportedly remained limited even before the suspension. Figures referenced in an Israeli Supreme Court ruling showed that only 16 Haredi men accused of evading military service were arrested during the first half of 2026.
Haaretz, citing unnamed police officials, reported that there were currently no plans to restart the arrests in the near future.
The sources said apprehending wanted individuals requires the deployment of substantial police resources and that the decision to suspend the arrests originated with the military police.
Under the current arrangement, the army determines whether arrests should take place, while police forces are responsible for carrying them out.
The suspension also coincides with a pause in protests by members of the ultra-Orthodox community against compulsory military service.
Haredi Jews have continued to oppose military enlistment following a June 25, 2024 Supreme Court ruling that ordered them to serve and removed financial support from religious institutions whose students refuse military duty.
The Haredi community represents around 13% of Israel’s population of approximately 10 million. Many members oppose military service because they regard full-time Torah study as a central religious obligation.
Senior rabbis have urged Haredi men to reject enlistment and, in some cases, refuse to comply with draft orders. Community leaders have also argued that military service and integration into secular society could threaten their religious traditions and communal identity.
For decades, Haredi men were generally able to avoid military service after turning 18 by repeatedly receiving deferments while studying at religious seminaries. These arrangements allowed some to remain exempt until reaching the exemption age, currently 26.
The military’s decision comes roughly 33 days before Israel’s scheduled October elections, during a period of intense domestic debate over policies pursued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
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