A new investigation claims that Chareidi men prohibited from leaving Israel because of their status as IDF draft evaders have managed to circumvent controls at Ben Gurion Airport and board international flights, exposing apparent gaps in a border enforcement system that was strengthened ahead of the massive travel period to Uman.
The alleged breaches have emerged despite heightened vigilance and additional preparations at Israel’s main international airport ahead of the annual surge of travelers heading to Ukraine.
According to an investigation and testimony published Wednesday by Galei Tzahal, or Army Radio, several young Chareidi men officially designated as draft evaders were able to leave Israel even though they were subject to legal orders explicitly prohibiting them from traveling abroad.
The report detailed several methods allegedly used to take advantage of the enormous crowds passing through Ben Gurion Airport during the busy travel season. Footage obtained by Army Radio reportedly shows one young man identified as a draft evader successfully making his way through passport control despite the restrictions against him.
Sources familiar with the alleged practice said some travelers attempt to exploit moments when airport personnel are distracted by the heavy volume of passengers, particularly during the most congested hours.
“You just have to wait until the official isn’t looking, stick close to a friend, and go through,” one young man said, describing how easily the system could allegedly be circumvented. “During such a busy period at Ben Gurion Airport, no one is really checking closely anymore.”
The system designed to prevent individuals under exit orders from leaving Israel was originally intended to contain two separate layers of enforcement. Along with physical checks conducted as passengers depart the country, authorities established a system through which information identifying people prohibited from traveling would be transmitted directly to airlines, preventing them from checking in or obtaining a boarding pass.
According to the investigation, however, a significant gap exists in that computerized system: the information-sharing mechanism reportedly operates only with Israeli carriers, while foreign airlines are not fully integrated into the process used to cross-check passengers against the list of individuals barred from leaving Israel.
That apparent loophole means a draft evader attempting to fly with a foreign carrier may reportedly be able to check in and obtain the documents needed to board without being flagged by the airline. In such cases, the physical border-control process effectively becomes the final obstacle preventing the passenger from leaving the country.
The Population and Immigration Authority said it was unaware of cases matching those described in the report and insisted that Israel has substantially strengthened its departure-control procedures.
“An examination found that cases of this kind are not known to us. This year, the mechanisms monitoring departures from Israel have been significantly reinforced, with strict oversight and full cross-checking between the various information channels. We have all the technological and operational means necessary to prevent attempts to leave the country illegally.”
The Authority further said the military has increased its presence at Israel’s border crossings and warned that anyone caught violating legal travel restrictions faces serious consequences.
“In addition, the IDF has reinforced its forces at the border crossings. Severe criminal proceedings are being taken and will be taken against anyone who acts in violation of orders and the law.”
{Matzav.com}
