Israel Tax Authority Resumes Operations in Bnei Brak Under Police Protection

Following a violent attack on tax inspectors in Bnei Brak about two weeks ago, the Israel Tax Authority has decided to resume its operations in the city under strict security measures. The inspectors were assaulted during routine enforcement activities, leading to significant damage to their vehicle and requiring police rescue amid a barrage of stones and other objects. This incident prompted the Tax Authority's director, Shay Aharonovitch, to halt all tax services in Bnei Brak, including assistance to residents affected by the Iran conflict, until the municipality issued a clear condemnation of the violence.

Aharonovitch sent a strongly worded letter to Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert, accusing the local authorities of failing to denounce the attack and implying that tax workers were no longer welcome in the city. After a subsequent meeting, the mayor distanced himself from the violence, and the Tax Authority agreed to reinstate services. However, tax employees, represented by the State Employees Union, insisted on stringent security guarantees before returning to work.

The union's chairman, Adv. Ofir Elkala'i, expressed deep shock and unequivocal condemnation of the attacks, emphasizing that the violence crossed all red lines and harmed not only the employees but also public service and the state. The union's conditions for resuming work include coordinated entry into Bnei Brak with police escort, provision of advanced technological security measures, specialized insurance for high-risk roles, and hazard pay. Aharonovitch confirmed these demands were accepted following discussions with the Bnei Brak police command.

The Tax Authority is currently enhancing technological security for field workers and advancing insurance and salary risk supplements. Elkala'i warned that failure to implement these protections immediately could lead to an expanded service boycott in Bnei Brak. The authority stressed that employee safety remains its top priority and that no harm to workers during duty will be tolerated.