Yeruham Council Head Injured in Clash with Police During Protest Over Park Funding

Nili Aharon, head of the Yeruham local council, was injured during a confrontation with police after protesting the Jewish National Fund (JNF) chairman's refusal to fund the development of Yeruham Park. Aharon arrived at the Omer council offices to demand a meeting with the new JNF chairman regarding the halted budget for the joint park project. She recounted to the program "HaOlam HaBoker" that she waited quietly behind a door without disrupting a meeting, but police were called and she was told she was trespassing. Aharon said a police officer grabbed and twisted her hand, resulting in injuries requiring hospital treatment. She condemned the incident as a disgrace to the Israeli police, while emphasizing her respect for the force, and stated, "This would not have happened if I were a man."

The Israeli police responded that officers were called due to a public order disturbance at the Omer council offices. Upon arrival, they informed Aharon she was violating public order inside the building and asked her to protest outside. When she refused to leave, officers warned her that they would act according to their authority, and after continued refusal, she was forcibly removed from the premises. The incident highlights tensions over funding for the Yeruham park and raises concerns about police conduct during protests.

Summary: Yeruham council head Nili Aharon was injured and forcibly removed by police during a protest over halted funding for a local park, criticizing police conduct and citing gender bias.