Despite the heightened alert and increased preparations at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of the mass wave of travel to Ukraine, a serious breach has been uncovered in Israel's border control and monitoring system.
According to an investigation and testimonies published Wednesday morning by Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), a number of young haredi men classified as IDF draft evaders, who are subject to explicit legal orders barring them from leaving the country, managed to circumvent security systems and board flights abroad.
The investigation revealed methods allegedly being used to exploit the holiday crowds at Ben Gurion Airport. In one key piece of footage obtained by the news outlet, a young man classified as a draft evader is seen successfully passing through passport control.
According to sources familiar with the details, some of those leaving the country use distraction tactics during peak hours, when the airport is particularly crowded.
"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."
Under the original guidelines, the safeguards were supposed to operate on two levels. In addition to physical checks upon departure, a mechanism was established to transfer the details of individuals subject to exit bans directly to airlines, with the aim of preventing them from checking in or obtaining a boarding pass.
However, according to the report, the computerized flow of information extends only to Israeli airlines, while foreign airlines are not fully connected to the cross-checking system.
As a result, draft evaders seeking to leave Israel can reportedly complete the check-in process with foreign airlines without encountering an obstacle, leaving only the border control checkpoints as the remaining barrier to departure.
The Population and Immigration Authority responded: "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 added, "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."