Galei Tzahal Report: 87 Minors in Yavne'el Became Pregnant Since 2015

The report, published by Tuvia Yagelnik of Galei Tzahal, offers a rare and troubling glimpse into the internal practices of the closed religious community in Yavne'el. According to the documents reviewed, the number of recorded pregnancies among minors has nearly doubled in the last five years compared to the preceding period. While 87 cases have been documented through health fund records, officials estimate that additional pregnancies may have occurred without being reported to the national healthcare system.

Hormonal Treatments and Early Marriage

Beyond the pregnancy figures, the report highlights the use of hormonal regulation therapy among very young teenagers. At least 13 girls, some only 14 years old, were documented receiving these treatments. In the context of the community, such medical interventions are often used to regulate the menstrual cycle in preparation for marriage. This practice persists despite Israeli law, which strictly prohibits the marriage of minors.

Context of Law Enforcement

This development follows previous investigations into the Yavne'el community. As noted in prior reports by The Zioneer, Israeli police have previously detained residents on suspicion of facilitating secret marriages involving minors, some reportedly as young as 12. Past data from hospitals such as Poria and Laniado has also pointed to dozens of births among minors from this community who lacked official marriage registration. The current Galei Tzahal report suggests that despite legal prohibitions and prior law enforcement attention, the phenomenon is not only continuing but accelerating.