Israeli Tax Authority Halts War Damage Compensation in Bnei Brak After Staff Assaults

Shai Aharonovitz, head of the Israeli Tax Authority, informed Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert on Thursday that compensation processing for war victims in the city will be suspended. This decision follows two recent violent attacks on tax inspectors by local residents during their official duties. In a letter to the mayor, Aharonovitz described how hundreds of people violently assaulted the inspectors at a business in Bnei Brak, requiring rescue by Israeli police. He noted that a similar incident occurred just a week earlier, also necessitating police intervention.

Aharonovitz expressed his disappointment that the Bnei Brak municipality has not publicly condemned the violence in either case. He stated, "I can only conclude that Tax Authority employees are not welcome in your city." Consequently, he ordered the compensation fund staff to immediately cease handling claims related to property damage from the recent conflicts "With the Lion" and "The Roar of the Lion" until an unequivocal condemnation of the attacks is issued by the city.

The letter highlights the escalating tensions between local authorities and the Tax Authority following these assaults, underscoring the challenges in providing services amid security concerns. The Tax Authority's suspension of compensation processing leaves war victims in Bnei Brak without official support until the situation is resolved.