Tax Authority Halts War Damage Claims in Bnei Brak Pending Official Condemnation of Mob Violence

Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich issued a severe formal notice to Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert on Thursday, mandating an immediate freeze on all war damage claims within the city. The decision follows a violent assault on Tax Authority personnel earlier that day.

The directive comes after a mob of several hundred individuals targeted Tax Authority employees on the afternoon of July 16 during routine enforcement operations in the city.

“Tax Authority employees who had arrived in the city to carry out enforcement activities were violently attacked,” Aharonovich stated in the letter.

Footage circulating online depicts a large crowd surrounding the officials, while stones and various projectiles were thrown at both the employees’ vehicle and responding police officers.

Police officers eventually intervened to rescue the employees from the scene.

“In light of the above, I can only conclude that Tax Authority employees are not welcome in your city,” Aharonovich wrote.

Aharonovich confirmed he has directed the Compensation Fund to suspend the processing of claims related to the “Rising Lion” and “Lion’s Roar” operations indefinitely. This suspension will remain in effect until the municipality issues a clear, public condemnation of the violence through Haredi media channels, including newspapers, radio stations, and news hotlines.

The letter also noted a prior incident on Wednesday, July 8, involving a violent attack by Bnei Brak residents against Tax Authority staff.

To date, the Bnei Brak Municipality has not issued a condemnation regarding either incident.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who holds oversight of the Tax Authority, utilized X to strongly denounce the July 8 attack. He expressed his solidarity with the employees and demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable under the law.

“I strongly condemn the violence perpetrated today against Tax Authority personnel by lawbreaking thugs in Bnei Brak,” Smotrich posted. “Such violence against law enforcement officers, who carry out their duties faithfully and professionally, cannot be tolerated.”

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