Israeli Haredi Leaders Criticize Police Over Yeshiva Student Arrests

Shas MK Michael Melkieli told a morning radio program that recent police arrests of yeshiva students have eroded trust between the Haredi community and law‑enforcement, accusing the police of “pursuing” students instead of addressing crime. He warned that cooperation with a police chief he says is targeting the community is impossible and called for public statements that the arrests could increase criminal activity.

Former minister Meir Porush echoed the criticism, saying the police are trying to “break” the Haredi public by detaining students and questioning the role of police chief Danny Levy. Porush also referenced broader concerns about the draft‑law crisis and tension within the governing coalition, noting calls from Haredi rabbis to cease cooperation with the police.

Both politicians linked the arrests to wider political disputes, criticizing the national security minister and the religious‑nationalist party for not supporting a proposed daycare law. The interviews highlight growing friction between Israel’s Haredi political bloc and the police over enforcement actions targeting religious schools.