Tax Authority Lifts Boycott on Bnei Brak: 'Workers Enter Only with Police Escort'

The Israel Tax Authority has lifted the boycott it imposed on Bnei Brak about two weeks after tax inspectors were violently attacked in the city. Operations will resume with police escort and in accordance with Histadrut demands, including technological security, dedicated insurance, and a risk premium in salary. Authority Director Shai Aharonovich emphasized that worker safety is the top priority.

The Israel Tax Authority has lifted the boycott it imposed on Bnei Brak, about two weeks after tax inspectors were violently attacked in the city. Authority Director Shai Aharonovich informed State Employees Union Chairman Ofir Alkalai that an updated security outline has been approved, including entry of workers into the city and other high-risk localities only with prior coordination and escort by the Israel Police. Additionally, the authority is working to bolster technological security measures, dedicated insurance for workers at increased risk, and a risk premium in salary. The decision was made after the workers, unionized under the Histadrut, refused to return to the city without full response to their security demands. The incident began when inspectors were attacked by a local mob, their vehicle was damaged, and they were rescued under a hail of stones. Aharonovich blamed Mayor Chanokh Zeibert for silence and sent a harsh letter, but after a meeting, tensions eased. The municipality did not issue an official condemnation, but operations are expected to resume in a new format.