16.02.2026 07:30
After a crowded Haredi group in Israel attacked 2 female Israeli soldiers and police teams, more than 20 people were detained in the ensuing events. Three police officers were lightly injured in the incidents; the events, occurring against the backdrop of mandatory military service debates, led to strong condemnations in the country's politics.
The attack on two female Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers by a large Haredi group in Bnei Brak, Israel, shook the country's agenda. Police teams dispatched to the scene detained more than 20 protesters while extracting the soldiers from the crowd.
THE GROUP SUDDENLY SURROUNDED THEM
According to the Jerusalem Post, the soldiers were surrounded by a group while on escort duty from Tel Aviv to Bnei Brak. Police teams that arrived at the scene reported that the crowd blocked the police vehicles' path with trash containers, overturned one police vehicle, and continued to follow the soldiers.
MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE DETAINED IN THE INCIDENTS
Authorities announced that more than 20 people were detained in the incidents, and 3 police officers were lightly injured and taken to Sheba Medical Center. It was stated that the protests were part of demonstrations against the government's agenda regarding mandatory military service.
NETANYAHU'S REACTION
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described the attack as "serious and unacceptable" and stated that he fully supports the security forces in maintaining public order. Netanyahu emphasized that the acts of violence do not represent the entire Haredi community. Leaders of Haredi parties also condemned the events, stating that violence harms their communities. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the events as "anarchy."
CHIEF OF STAFF: THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir deemed the targeting of soldiers as unacceptable and stated that those responsible must be held accountable. Police Commissioner Danny Levy also indicated that the incident was an attack on the rule of law.
DEBATES ON MILITARY SERVICE ARE GROWING
The military obligation of Haredi men has long been at the center of political and social debates in Israel. The recent incident in Bnei Brak once again highlighted how this tension is reflected in the streets.