Israel Police Extend Detention of Suspects in Bnei Brak Riots

Israeli authorities have extended the detention of four individuals arrested during the recent riots in Bnei Brak, with their custody now prolonged until Wednesday. An additional suspect has been granted conditional release.

The unrest began when two female IDF soldiers, conducting a welfare visit in Bnei Brak, were confronted by a group of ultra-Orthodox residents. The soldiers were mistaken for military police delivering draft notices, leading to a hostile situation. Police intervened to escort the soldiers to safety, during which rioters overturned a police vehicle and set a motorcycle on fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, stating, "I strongly condemn the violent riots in Bnei Brak against female IDF soldiers and officers of the Israeli Police. This is an extreme minority that does not represent the entire haredi community. This is a grave and unacceptable matter."

In response to the incident, police presented new religious items, including tefillin, a siddur (prayer book), and a tallit (prayer shawl), to an officer whose belongings were destroyed when his motorcycle was set ablaze during the riots. The department also committed to issuing a replacement vehicle and a new cell phone for the officer.

The situation remains under investigation as authorities work to restore order and address the underlying tensions that led to the disturbances.