"Arrested By Deception:" Yeshiva Bochur Summoned To Testify, Arrested By Military Police

A Bnei Brak resident studying at a yeshiva on the moshav of Beit Meir was arrested after being summoned for questioning, prompting anger in the Chareidi community.

Moshe Steiner was called to the Lahav 433 offices Monday to give testimony. After investigators completed their questioning, he was told he was free to leave. As he exited into the parking lot, Military Police officers arrested him for "draft dodging." He was subsequently sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

The case drew prominent coverage, appearing on the front page of Yated Ne'eman under the headline: "New Low in the Persecution of Torah: Yeshiva Bochur Arrested by Deception."

The arrest conflicts with a directive from Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy stating that Chareidim designated as draft dodgers who come to police stations for civilian services or to provide testimony should not be arrested, so as not to damage public cooperation with law enforcement.