Violence and Threats Erupt at Arad City Council Meeting Amid Local Tensions

Tensions in Arad escalated during a city council meeting held on Monday evening at the municipal building, following ongoing conflicts between the general public and Gur Hasidim in the city. The meeting, broadcast live on the municipality's Facebook page, saw a resident suddenly confront council members before being removed from the room. Video footage shows the resident's partner arguing with former council head Nissan Ben Hamo and council member Dudi Ohannona, who called her a "gossip." The resident then threatened and cursed Ohannona, prompting council member Revit Baylis to intervene, stating that threats against council members are unacceptable and demanding the man's removal.

The situation quickly escalated as the couple continued to clash with council members and other residents. When Baylis intervened again, the man aggressively approached her, using profanities and telling her not to interfere or speak to his wife that way. Baylis responded firmly that she would not tolerate threats against council members. The man continued to insult her, even after she expressed feeling threatened and mentioned contacting the police. City inspectors present had to restrain the man before he was escorted out.

Baylis told Walla she felt the incident crossed a "red line," describing how the confrontation began with accusations against council members, leading the man to defend his wife with repeated threats. She emphasized that she was not afraid and acted to protect an elderly woman who was also threatened. Despite the severity of the incident, Baylis does not intend to file a complaint, explaining that the man acted out of anger to defend his wife, whom she described as strong and capable.

Baylis stressed that her stance is not against any community but in favor of Arad's coexistence, which historically includes secular, religious, traditional, and ultra-Orthodox residents. She criticized the city leadership's rhetoric and actions for creating divisions and called for maintaining the city's status quo of shared life and mutual respect.