Katz condemns violent ultra-Orthodox disruption of Haredi IDF brigade conference

Defense Minister Israel Katz condemns the violent disruption of an IDF conference on the ultra-Orthodox Hasmonean Brigade in Bnei Brak last night, calling the incident a “red line.”

In a statement, Katz denounces what he describes as an “extremist fringe” of Haredi protesters that broke into the event and acted violently toward IDF soldiers and commanders.

“Harming security forces and IDF soldiers is an absolute red line – and we will not tolerate violence of any kind,” Katz says.

He adds that the rioters have “much to learn” from the soldiers of the Hasmonean Brigade, who he says “represent a values-based integration of Torah study, contribution to the state and civility,” vowing that the brigade – and other units that integrate Haredi recruits – will continue to grow despite opposition from extremist groups.

הפרגוד: בני ברק: העימות האלים בערב אבות של החיילים החרדים. pic.twitter.com/JOLtCjelNb

— הפרגוד (@moshepargod) January 11, 2026