Bnei Brak Mayor Meets Tax Authority Head to Condemn Violence and Restore Cooperation

Following a violent attack on Tax Authority employees in Bnei Brak's Kiryat Vizhnitz neighborhood last week, Mayor Hanoch Zeibert and Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch held their first meeting since the incident to ease tensions and resume cooperation. The meeting took place on Sunday at the mayor's office and included senior officials from both the municipality and the Tax Authority.

Zeibert condemned the violence, emphasizing that public servants and Tax Authority workers "faithfully perform their duties" in Bnei Brak as in other cities. Aharonovitch had previously sent a stern letter demanding a public condemnation of the attacks and assurances for employee safety, stating that Tax Authority staff would not return to work in the city until their security was guaranteed.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the city's needs, shared challenges, and ways to strengthen collaboration to provide optimal service to residents. Both sides agreed to continue working together professionally and positively for the benefit of Bnei Brak's population.

The meeting came a day after the State Employees Union announced it would bar Tax Authority workers from entering Bnei Brak, citing unresolved safety concerns. Despite the joint statement from the municipality and Tax Authority, the workers' representatives have yet to change their stance.