ISRAEL — Tensions over the arrest of bnei yeshivos intensified Tuesday after two men were detained in Eilat and transferred to Military Police custody, prompting the Peleg Yerushalmi to warn of major protests if the detainees are not released.

One of those arrested was identified as Yakir Ralbag, a talmid of Yeshivas Chevron–Knesses Yisrael. He was detained in Eilat before being handed over to the Military Police.

A second detainee, a newly married avreich from Yerushalayim, was also arrested while visiting Eilat with his family and subsequently transferred to Military Police custody.

The arrests come amid plans for renewed enforcement against Chareidi draft evaders. Military officials have indicated that proactive operations to locate and arrest those considered draft evaders will resume during October following a pause during the Yom Tov period.

Recent enforcement efforts have largely focused on Israel's border crossings, where more than 200 draft evaders were detained during September, including more than 160 Chareidim.

The latest arrests have sparked a sharp response from the Peleg Yerushalmi, which is preparing for large demonstrations and possible road blockages if the detainees are not released.

The developments come amid heightened tensions following an attempted arrest in Modi'in, where a large crowd gathered after word spread that Military Police had arrived to arrest a yeshiva bochur. The attempted arrest ultimately ended without the bochur being taken into custody.

With proactive enforcement expected to resume, the latest arrests could trigger a renewed wave of demonstrations over the detention of bnei yeshivos.