Israeli Tax Officials Attacked by Mob in Bnei Brak, Operations Suspended

Tax Authority officials were assaulted by a large crowd in Bnei Brak on July 25 while performing their duties at a local business. The Tax Authority director, Shai Aharonovitch, described the incident as a lynching by hundreds of people and confirmed that the officials were rescued by Israeli police. This attack marks the second violent incident against tax officials in Bnei Brak within about ten days, the first occurring on July 8.

Following the attack, Aharonovitch sent a letter to the mayor of Bnei Brak and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, announcing the immediate suspension of handling war damage compensation claims for the city's residents. The suspension will remain until the municipality issues a clear and unequivocal public condemnation of the violence, specifically in the city's Haredi media outlets including newspapers, radio, and news lines. Aharonovitch emphasized that while compensation payments already due will still be made, no further damage assessments or processing will occur until the condemnation is issued.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly condemned the violence, stating that such attacks on law enforcement personnel are unacceptable and highlighting the officials' dedication and professionalism. The Tax Authority criticized the Bnei Brak municipality for failing to condemn the attacks in both incidents, prompting the current suspension of services related to war damage compensation in the city.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Bnei Brak and raises concerns about the safety of government workers carrying out their duties in the city. The Tax Authority's demand for a public denunciation aims to ensure the protection and respect of its employees before resuming their work.