Netanyahu Condemns Attacks on Female IDF Soldiers and Police

Middle East, Politics

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the violent riots that erupted in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv, where female IDF soldiers and police officers were attacked. In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said: “I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and officers of the Israeli Police. This is an extremist minority that does not represent the Haredi society as a whole. This is a grave and unacceptable act. We will not allow anarchy, and we will not tolerate any attack on IDF personnel and security forces who carry out their mission with devotion and determination.”

The unrest began when two female IDF soldiers conducting a welfare activity were surrounded and chased by a mob of ultra-Orthodox men. Police intervened to rescue them, but the situation escalated as rioters overturned a police car and set a motorcycle ablaze. The incident has been linked to growing anger over Israel’s draft law mandating conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, a policy strongly opposed by parts of the community.