From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Ben Gvir: Mob that attacked female troops in Bnei Brak doesn’t represent ‘vast majority of Haredi public’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
The members of an ultra-Orthodox mob that attacked two female soldiers in Bnei Brak this afternoon “will pay a heavy price” but do not represent the “vast majority of the Haredi public,” declares National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who says that one police officer was wounded in the confrontation.
There have been no reports of any arrests.
“I strongly condemn the small group of violent anarchists who attacked female soldiers, injured police officers, and set fire to a police motorcycle in Bnei Brak. These are grave, criminal, and unforgivable acts. Anyone who raises a hand against IDF soldiers or Israel Police officers will pay a heavy price,” says Ben Gvir in a statement.
“At the same time, it is important for me to clarify: This does not represent the Haredi community as a whole. The vast majority of the Haredi public is law-abiding, respects the security forces, and took no part in this violence. We must not allow an extremist fringe to stain an entire community,” he asserts, sending his best wishes to the soldiers and the police officer who was wounded defending them.
There are no details on the condition of the police officer.
The Times of Israel Community.