Suspicion of underage marriages in Yavne'el: 16 detained for questioning

Dozens of police officers from the Northern District raided several locations in Yavne'el this morning, Thursday, detaining 16 minors and adults for questioning on suspicion of having recently married or having begun preparations for a wedding ceremony in violation of the law.

The raid was conducted as part of an investigation ongoing for the past few months into the phenomenon of underage marriages within a small, closed community based in Yavne'el, Lower Galilee. A few weeks ago, more than 20 other suspects were detained in the town on suspicion of involvement in similar activities.

Police stated that the ceremonies are usually held in the morning hours with a limited number of guests, and the location of the event is not disclosed until it begins. According to authorities, in many cases, filming the ceremony is prohibited, and mobile phones are forbidden inside for fear of documenting the marriage. After the religious ceremony, an additional event is sometimes held under the guise of an "engagement party" for relatives.

The Israel Police stated that it will continue to investigate the matter in cooperation with enforcement and welfare authorities with the goal of establishing the truth, bringing those involved to justice, and preventing the continuation of this phenomenon.