Netanyahu Condemns 'Extreme Minority' Amid Violent Ultra-Orthodox Protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong condemnation of what he described as an "extreme minority" following violent riots in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak. The unrest erupted on Sunday, February 15, 2026, leading to the dramatic rescue of two female Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from a hostile mob.
Violent Clashes and Arrests in Bnei Brak
Authorities reported that at least 22 people were arrested during the protests, which saw demonstrators set police motorcycles on fire, overturn a police vehicle, and attack officers. Video footage from the scene shows the two female soldiers being hurried away by police as thousands of ultra-Orthodox men pursued them through the streets.
In a post on social media platform X, Netanyahu stated: "I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and Israel police officers. This is an extreme minority that does not represent the entire haredi community. This is a grave and unacceptable matter." He emphasized that the government "will not allow anarchy" and will not tolerate harm to security forces.
Roots of the Protest: Military Service Exemptions
The protests in Bnei Brak are part of ongoing tensions over proposed laws that may force ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the Israeli military. This community, which makes up roughly 13% of Israel's population or about 1.3 million people, has historically been exempt from mandatory conscription. They oppose enlistment, believing that full-time study in religious seminaries is their paramount duty.
These broad exemptions have reopened a deep societal divide in Israel, particularly during the ongoing war in Gaza. The issue has sparked frequent demonstrations in ultra-Orthodox areas, with Bnei Brak being a focal point of discontent.
Broader Context: Gaza Conflict and Regional Tensions
The riots occur against a backdrop of heightened regional conflict. Hospitals in the Gaza Strip reported that at least 11 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the enclave within the last 24 hours. According to local sources, airstrikes in Khan Younis resulted in five men in their 20s being killed, with bodies received at Nasser Hospital.
The Israeli military stated it carried out multiple strikes in response to several ceasefire violations near the Yellow Line, which separates Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza. This ongoing violence underscores the complex security challenges facing Israel, both internally and externally.
The incident in Bnei Brak highlights the fragile balance between religious freedoms and national security obligations in Israeli society. As Netanyahu seeks to maintain order, the government faces mounting pressure to address the exemptions issue while preventing further unrest among ultra-Orthodox communities.
