Israeli Tax Authority Workers Demand Security and Benefits Before Returning to Bnei Brak

Nearly two weeks after the Israeli Tax Authority pledged to resume operations in Bnei Brak, unionized employees have made clear they will not return until their security demands are fully met. On July 16, tax inspectors were violently attacked by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox students while conducting routine inspections in the Kiryat Vizhnitz neighborhood, prompting a suspension of services in the city.

Ophir Elkala'i, chairman of the State Employees Union, sent a stern letter on July 24 to Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch, emphasizing that workers will only return under agreed conditions. These include police accompaniment coordinated in advance, enhanced technological security measures, special insurance for high-risk roles, and additional hazard pay. Elkala'i condemned the attack as crossing a red line, harming both employees and public service integrity.

Following the assault, the Tax Authority halted aid to Bnei Brak residents whose homes were damaged during recent Israeli military operations against Iran. Elkala'i warned that if the authority does not promptly implement protective measures, the work stoppage could expand, using all organizational and legal means to ensure a safe work environment.

After the attack, Aharonovitch criticized the Bnei Brak municipality for failing to condemn the violence and announced an immediate halt to property damage assistance in the city. However, on July 19, after a meeting with the mayor, the Tax Authority announced plans to resume activity. The union, however, reiterated that workers will not return until their security conditions are met.

The Tax Authority stated it is cooperating closely with the State Employees Union and police to ensure a safe return to work, including recent agreements with Bnei Brak police to protect employees in the field.