Dozens of police officers raided targets in the Yavniel settlement Wednesday morning, as an undercover investigation spanning several months went public. The investigation focused on a small, closed community whose members are suspected of conducting underage marriages in violation of the law.
2+During the investigation, police uncovered a sophisticated system designed to evade enforcement: weddings were typically held in the morning hours with minimal attendance, and the location wasn’t revealed until the last moment. To prevent documentation, participants were required to deposit their phones. Only after the secret ceremony did the community hold a large public event disguised as an “engagement party” to avoid suspicion.
“Ketubah in the Closet”: Evidence Uncovered
One of the key pieces of evidence was collected this past February. Following real-time intelligence, detectives raided a home in the community during a wedding ceremony. Officers identified the couple in bride and groom attire, and in a search of the house, were surprised to find a ketubah (marriage contract), wedding rings, and a glass wrapped in aluminum foil hidden inside a water heater closet.
2+In addition, investigative work with hospitals in the north revealed troubling data: over the past three years, more than 20 cases were identified of underage girls from the community who gave birth to babies, while in Interior Ministry records they appeared as single.
Police: “We Will Continue to Act Against Harm to Minors”
This morning, a large number of suspects were detained for questioning, including wedding organizers, matchmakers, and even minors who recently married. The Northern District clarifies that this is part of an ongoing battle to eradicate the phenomenon.
2+“Israel Police will continue to act decisively against any crime that harms minors and the vulnerable,” police said in a statement. The investigation continues in cooperation with welfare and enforcement authorities with the goal of prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent and preventing recurrence.