Tax Authority Halts Operations in Bnei Brak After Income Tax Inspectors Attacked by Ultra-Orthodox Students

Ophir Elkaly, chairman of the State Employees Union, announced the suspension of Tax Authority activities in Bnei Brak following a violent attack on income tax inspectors by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox students. Elkaly cited serious concerns for the safety and lives of the employees, noting this was the second such attack in recent times. The incident occurred three days ago when inspectors were conducting routine work in the Kiryat Vizhnitz business area. As students left their schools, a large crowd gathered around the inspectors, throwing stones, eggs, and other objects at their vehicle, prompting a significant police response to extract them safely.

Recordings from the scene captured hostile chants including "They shall not enter here anymore" and derogatory remarks directed at a female police officer. The day after the attack, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch informed Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert that he had ordered an immediate halt to handling property damage claims related to recent Israeli military operations against Iran, known as "With the Lion" and "Roar of the Lion." The two officials are scheduled to meet at the municipality to discuss the situation.

Further investigation revealed the attack was not spontaneous but a coordinated effort. Voice messages circulated within the Hasidic community described the inspectors as "unwanted guests" and urgently called for community members to mobilize in response. Elkaly emphasized the severity of the threat and the necessity of protecting Tax Authority workers from further harm.