Israeli Tax Authority Halts Damage Claims in Bnei Brak After Violent Attacks on Its Workers

Following violent assaults on Israeli Tax Authority employees in Bnei Brak, the authority's director, Shay Aharonovitch, informed the city's mayor, Hanoch Zeibert, that he has ordered an immediate stop to processing property damage claims related to recent military operations against Iran. The decision came after tax officials were attacked by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox students while performing routine duties, resulting in significant damage to their vehicle and requiring police intervention to rescue them.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following Israel's operations "With the Lion" and "The Roar of the Lion" against Iran. Aharonovitch condemned the attacks, describing them as a lynching by hundreds of people, and expressed disappointment that the Bnei Brak municipality had not publicly condemned the violence in either this or a similar attack the previous week. He stated that until the municipality issues an unequivocal condemnation in the ultra-Orthodox media, the Tax Authority will suspend handling war-related property damage claims from Bnei Brak residents.

The attacks involved stones, eggs, and other objects thrown at the tax officials' vehicle, escalating quickly after local students finished classes. Police forces responded swiftly to extract the employees from the hostile crowd. Aharonovitch's letter emphasized that the Tax Authority employees are not welcome in the city under current circumstances, linking the suspension of claims to the municipality's silence on the violent incidents.

This development highlights the challenges faced by government agencies operating in ultra-Orthodox areas amid social tensions and ongoing military conflicts. The situation remains unresolved pending a formal response from Bnei Brak's municipal leadership.