Israeli Minister Faces Protesters Who Assaulted His Wife, Police Intervene
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his wife, Ayala, were attacked on Thursday by a group of ultra-Orthodox Haredi extremists in the town of Beit Shemesh.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli police reported that demonstrators surrounded the minister’s vehicle and attempted to damage it. Ayala Ben Gvir was physically assaulted, prompting police to intervene with force. At least one person was arrested.
In an official statement, Minister Ben Gvir said the assailants were affiliated with the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta movement. He added that the incident occurred after he parked his car in a Haredi neighborhood and alerted police about Palestinian flags painted on a building in the area.
A spokesperson for Ben Gvir stated that the attackers chanted anti-conscription slogans and attempted to physically confront the minister, calling him a “Zionist” and a “murderer.” His wife was violently assaulted and slapped by one of the activists, prompting Ben Gvir to vow that law enforcement would act decisively in the area.
“Ayala defended herself, but he struck her on the back,” the spokesperson said, adding that police deployed stun grenades, batons, and other means to disperse the protesters, some of whom were waving Palestinian flags.
Footage published by local media showed a large number of demonstrators as security personnel tried to shield the minister. In one clip, Ben Gvir is seen attempting to confront the protesters himself before his security team urged him to return to the vehicle.
The Israeli police confirmed they would continue to take action against anyone who disturbs public order, damages property, or assaults public officials.
