Yeshiva bochur shackled in hospital after Taba arrest

Footage from Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera has stirred outrage in the chareidi public: a yeshiva bochur arrested last week and transferred to military prison was brought in for medical treatment shackled at both hands and feet. The image drew anger because the manner of restraint resembles that used for a dangerous security detainee.

According to reports, the bochur was arrested last Friday by the Military Police at the Taba border crossing after attempting to leave the country while subject to an active exit ban due to draft evasion. Upon arrival at the detention facility, the detainee requested medical treatment and was referred for examination. Following the examination, he was transferred to the hospital emergency room.

According to eyewitnesses, several Arab patients at the hospital for medical care approached the chareidi detainee and expressed dismay that he had been arrested merely for learning Torah. They offered him words of encouragement and support until a Military Police representative moved them away.

In response, an IDF spokesperson stated: "The restraints were applied in accordance with protocols, based solely on professional judgment. Security measures are determined according to the professional considerations of detention authorities, with the aim of ensuring the safety of the detainee and those around him."

The case joins a wave of arrests of yeshiva students in recent days. Last week two other bochurim, Eliyahu Davida and Yakir Revivo, were arrested and sentenced to 20 days in military prison. At the same time, two students from Yeshivas Or HaChaim were arrested in Rishon LeZion and transferred to the Military Police.

The arrests are taking place against the backdrop of the Attorney General's demand to advance draft enforcement against chareidi draft evaders.