Forty Chabad yeshiva bochurim were released Tuesday following hours of detention at Ben Gurion Airport over unresolved military-service obligations, while two others were reportedly transferred to military prison.

The incident unfolded on October 20 when 42 Chabad bochurim arrived in Eretz Yisrael after spending the past year learning in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, near 770 Eastern Parkway.

Military police were reportedly waiting for the group upon arrival. During passport control, authorities identified the bochurim as individuals whose military-service status had not been regularized, leading to their detention and questioning.

According to Chareidi media reports, the students were subjected to military disciplinary proceedings throughout the day, as efforts were made to secure their release and prevent their imprisonment.

Chabad askonim and rabbonim became involved in the situation, working to assist the detained bochurim and their families as the proceedings continued.

Reports indicated that the authorities offered the students an opportunity to avoid imprisonment by beginning procedures connected to military enlistment.

By the end of the day, 40 of the 42 bochurim had been released, while two were reportedly sent to military prison.

Accounts differed regarding the precise conditions of the releases. Military sources indicated that the released students had agreed to begin the enlistment process, while Chabad community reports described pressure on the bochurim and raised questions about the commitments required.

The incident caused considerable concern among Chabad families and community representatives, particularly because the students had been returning from a year devoted to Torah learning in Crown Heights.

The detention and subsequent release of the bochurim highlighted the continuing difficulties faced by some yeshiva students over their military-service status.

The circumstances surrounding the two remaining imprisoned bochurim, including any further legal proceedings, were not immediately clear.