Violent confrontations erupted Sunday evening in Bnei Brak after extremist Chareidi protesters attempted to break into a conference held for parents of soldiers serving in the IDF’s Hasmonean Brigade, the military’s new Chareidi combat unit.

The event, which took place on Yosef Chaim Street and was attended by approximately 60 fathers of brigade soldiers, was targeted by dozens of extremists affiliated with the Jerusalem Faction. According to reports, “emergency calls” were circulated on extremist hotlines shortly before the clashes, urging followers to rush to the area to protest the gathering.

What began as a protest quickly escalated into violent physical confrontations. Around 100 demonstrators attempted to forcibly enter the hall, shouting insults and disrupting the conference. Large police forces were dispatched to the scene and worked to evacuate the protesters and restore order.

During the clashes, several soldiers were lightly injured. One soldier was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. In addition, protesters attacked the vehicle of one of the event’s organizers. Police were forced to physically intervene in order to extract him safely from the crowd.

In a separate incident amid the chaos, the brigade’s commander, Col. Avinoam Emunah, was escorted out of the area by police to ensure his safety.

The IDF later issued a statement confirming the incident, saying: “During a conference honoring the parents of recruits to the Hasmonean Brigade that took place tonight in the city of Bnei Brak, several protesters broke into the conference hall with the intention of disrupting the event. Some of the protesters acted violently toward the brigade’s soldiers and commanders. Israel Police forces were called to the scene shortly thereafter to restore order. The event ended. The IDF strongly condemns any act of violence against its commanders and soldiers. Medical examinations were conducted for several members of the brigade at the location.”

Political leaders also weighed in on the incident. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman responded sharply, stating:
“Anyone who attacks an IDF soldier for ideological reasons deserves lengthy imprisonment and, in certain cases, even the demolition of his home. That is what the law has determined. I call on the authorities to enforce the law. Israel is a state of law, for Heaven’s sake.”

Police ultimately dispersed the crowd and restored calm to the area. Investigations into the violence are ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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