Israel Tax Authority Chief Meets Bnei Brak Mayor Over Violence Against Staff Halting War Damage Claims

The Israel Tax Authority has escalated its response to violent attacks against its employees in Bnei Brak by suspending all processing of war-related property damage claims in the city. Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch announced in a radio interview on Galei Tzahal that he scheduled an urgent meeting with Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert to resolve the crisis. The decision follows two severe incidents in which employees were assaulted while performing their duties, including one where hundreds attacked staff at a local business, requiring police intervention.

In a letter sent last Thursday, Aharonovitch described the attacks as lynching and emphasized that this was the second violent event in just over a week. He stressed the need for a clear public condemnation of the violence from the city leadership, stating, "I expected that after the first incident, and certainly after the second, the city and the mayor would make clear statements supporting state authorities doing their work." Until the issue is resolved, field operations in Bnei Brak will remain suspended due to staff safety concerns.

Responding to criticism that the suspension unfairly punishes the entire city, Aharonovitch clarified that most damage claims had already been addressed, but employees currently fear for their security and cannot distinguish between visits for compensation and those for audits. He also informed that Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman was updated on the situation but no approval was sought for the suspension, as Aharonovitch prioritizes the welfare of the 6,500 employees under his responsibility.

Comparing the situation to other regions, he noted that in some Arab sector areas, police escorts are regularly required for tax staff, which is undesirable. He expressed hope that Bnei Brak, "a mother city of Israel," would avoid such conditions, highlighting that most residents obey the law and have expressed support for the Tax Authority workers.