IDF: No Arrests Over Yom Tov Season for Overseas Guests Who Didn’t Arrange Deferral

Israelis who left the country without serving their full IDF term, or those who didn’t arrange a deferral, will be allowed to come back to Israel for a visit without running the risk of arrest, the IDF said over the weekend. The one-time “gesture” for the Yom Tov season will run from September 9 through October 30. Individuals who were supposed to serve, but did not, will be allowed to leave the country before that final deadline without penalty.

Generally, Israeli citizens who either did not serve or arrange for an exemption before leaving the country when they were required to serve can expect to be arrested upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Instead of arrest, the soldiers who failed to do either and visit Israel during that period will be subject to a disciplinary hearing.

Those covered by the program will have the opportunity to arrange their service. The army said that it had taken a similar step last spring, during the period of Israel Independence Day, and that dozens of individuals had taken steps to arrange their service.