Arad Mayor Orders to Stop Enforcement Against Vehicles with Anti-Draft Signs

Arad Mayor Yair Maayan ordered to stop enforcement against vehicles displaying signs opposing IDF conscription, arguing it contradicts municipal bylaws and freedom of speech. Concurrently, he condemned Haredim who neither study nor enlist, and the rabbis instructing them to do so.

Arad Mayor Yair Maayan ordered an immediate halt to enforcement against vehicles carrying signs opposing IDF conscription. In a Facebook post, Maayan claimed the enforcement was carried out in violation of municipal bylaws and infringed on freedom of speech. Alongside this, he clarified his support for universal conscription of all Israeli citizens, including Haredim, and condemned those who neither study in yeshivas nor enlist. Maayan also criticized rabbis who instruct Haredim not to enlist, calling for mandatory service during wartime. The article notes that in August 2025, he criticized a Haredi protest in Arad against conscription, but now emphasized that even opponents are entitled to express their views.