Extremist Neturei Karta members attacked National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his wife in Beit Shemesh. Police are struggling to disperse the protesters.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his wife Ayala were assaulted by dozens of Neturei Karta members in Beit Shemesh’s Ramah B neighborhood on Thursday, prompting a quick police response.
The incident occurred after Ben-Gvir stopped to report PLO flags spray-painted on walls, which he noticed during a routine drive through the area.
According to a statement from Ben-Gvir, the Neturei Karta group confronted him with shouts of “Zionist,” “Murderer,” “You support army conscription,” and “Get out of here,” while attempting to physically attack him. Ayala Ben-Gvir was also assaulted by a woman from the group. The minister retorted, “This is the State of Israel, and the police will enforce the law here too!”
The attack follows reports of increasing Palestinian flag graffiti in Ramah B over the past month, which local police have allegedly failed to address, drawing criticism and prompting Ben-Gvir’s visit. The minister’s presence in the neighborhood was met with immediate unrest, as police now deploy significant forces to restore order.
The incident is a cause of deep embarrassment for local law enforcement, who knew about the concerning graffiti issue and did nothing about it.
The acting commander of Beit Shemesh's police station ordered police to use stun grenades to disperse protesters around Ben Gvir.
Authorities are investigating the assault, and further details are expected as the situation develops.
According to Amit Segal, Ben Gvir said, "A Neturei Karta activist slapped my wife Ayala in Beit Shemesh, and she slapped her back. The police are dispersing Neturei Karta activists who tried to attack us, using stun grenades."
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