Tax Authority Suspends Operations in Bnei Brak Following Violent Attacks on Inspectors

The chairman of the State Employees Union, lawyer Ofir Elkaly, announced on Sunday the suspension of Tax Authority activities in Bnei Brak after income tax inspectors were violently attacked by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox students. Elkaly described the incident as a serious threat to the safety and lives of the employees, noting it was not an isolated event but the second attack on inspectors in recent times.

The attack occurred three days ago in the Kiryat Vizhnitz neighborhood during a routine inspection. Hundreds of students leaving school gathered around the inspectors, throwing eggs, stones, and other objects at their vehicle. Police forces were urgently deployed to extract the inspectors amid hostile crowds shouting phrases such as "They must not enter here again" and derogatory remarks toward a lone female officer present.

Following the attack, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch informed Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert that he ordered an immediate halt to damage assessments related to property affected during Israel's recent operations against Iran, "With the Lion" and "Roar of the Lion." The two officials are scheduled to meet at the municipality.

Recordings obtained by the ultra-Orthodox community revealed that the attack was a coordinated effort by residents against the Tax Authority. Voice messages warned of "unwanted guests" and called for urgent mobilization of community members to resist the inspectors, urging the public not to cooperate or answer questions. The messages emphasized protecting the community's property and businesses from the inspectors' presence.

This escalation highlights ongoing tensions between the Tax Authority and the ultra-Orthodox community in Bnei Brak, raising concerns about worker safety and the challenges of enforcing tax regulations in sensitive areas.