IDF Reservist Detained for 15 Hours at Prague Airport, Denied Entry Over Bizarre French 'Criminal Alert'

An Israeli man who recently completed months of reserve duty in Gaza and Lebanon was detained for over 15 hours at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport and denied entry into the Czech Republic. He was traveling with his wife for a planned vacation.

According to Ynet, the incident occurred yesterday when border officials flagged a “serious crime” alert issued by French authorities through the Schengen Information System. The man was informed he is barred from the entire Schengen area until the alert is resolved. His wife was allowed to enter.

“They said maybe it’s because of my reserve service or that someone stole my identity and used it to commit crimes,” he told Ynet. “I’ve never even been to France.”

Czech officials told him only France could lift the restriction. The couple waited in the airport while attempting to contact Israeli consular services. The emergency line did not respond until the following morning, and efforts by the Israeli embassy in Paris to clarify the matter with French police were unsuccessful.

With no resolution, the couple purchased return tickets and flew back to Israel on Wednesday, canceling their trip.The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the case but said the reason for the alert remains unclear. It is not yet known whether the issue is linked to the man’s military service, identity theft, or a database error.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, some Israeli reservists have faced increased scrutiny or entry issues in certain countries.

The ministry now advises travelers with IDF service records to verify entry requirements in advance and to be truthful about their background.The man has returned home. Further details are pending.