UTJ MK Meir Porush called for an urgent discussion in the Knesset’s National Security Committee following the severe and unprecedented police brutality unleashed against Chareidi protesters on Wednesday morning.

In a letter sent to committee chairman Tzvika Fogel, Porush wrote that “for many years, and particularly during the period of left-wing protests, we have witnessed a consistent policy of restraint by Israel Police. We saw endless patience toward demonstrators who blocked major roads and disrupted daily life across the country. We saw officers making polite announcements over loudspeakers, and we saw a system that sanctified the right to protest.”

“But time and again, we learn in the most painful way that this equation comes to a complete stop when it comes to the Chareidi public. Toward these demonstrators, there is no restraint, no patience, and no attempt at understanding.”

Referring to Wednesday morning’s protest, he wrote: “This morning, this policy of selective enforcement reached a dangerous and bloody peak. The demonstration on Highway 4 near Bnei Brak was dispersed with unprecedented and brutal violence that crossed every possible red line. This was not a matter of clearing a road or maintaining public order, but the use of force intended to instill fear.”

“The scenes showed stun grenades being launched directly at demonstrators sitting on the road, baton strikes and aggressive dragging, and difficult scenes of injured, bruised, and bleeding protesters lying on the asphalt with torn clothing, in addition to other things that are not appropriate to describe in writing.”

He called on Fogel to convene an immediate committee session so that senior police officials could “account for the violence used this morning and for the selective and discriminatory enforcement system that has been conducted for years toward protests, depending on the identity of the demonstrators and the subject of their protest.”

Following the disturbing videos circulated on social media, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir issued a statement saying: “Recently, there has been an increase in incidents where stun grenades were used against civilians, which is against regulations. I will therefore hold an urgent discussion to ensure that stun grenades are used only in exceptional cases and in accordance with police procedures.”

Ben Gvir then threatened: “If their use is not limited to such cases, there will be no stun grenades in the police.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)