Haredim Verbally Assault IDF Maj.-Gen. "Murderer" Shouted at Him

WATCH: Major-General David Zini rescued after verbal assault by Haredim in Bnei Brak restaurant

A disturbing incident unfolded in Bnei Brak on Thursday when Major-General David Zini, overseeing the establishment of the new IDF infantry Hashmonaim Brigade, was verbally assaulted by a group of extremist haredim. Video footage that surfaced on social media shows dozens of young men shouting insults at Zini, including calls of "murderer" and "shame on you."

Eliana Fleming | JFeed | 08:33 | 2 min read

Major General David Zini (photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit)

The Israel Police reported that three suspects, aged 19 to 24, all residents of Bnei Brak, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting two IDF officers in the city overnight. The suspects were taken into custody for questioning and are expected to appear in court on Friday for a hearing.

Maj.-Gen. Zini had been dining with several associates at a restaurant on the outskirts of Bnei Brak when word of his presence spread. Soon after, a crowd of young extremists gathered at the location, verbally abusing Zini and forcing him to leave. A police force intervened and escorted him safely to his vehicle.

In a statement following the incident, the IDF expressed strong support for Maj.-Gen. Zini's work, particularly his efforts to recruit members of the haredi community for military service. "The Chief of Staff supports and reinforces the important work of Major General David Zini in recruiting members of the Haredi community," the statement read.

The IDF also condemned the assault, emphasizing that such violent behavior toward its personnel would not be tolerated. "The IDF condemns and views with severity any violent behavior toward its personnel, who work day and night for the security of the state and its citizens," the military added.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also condemned the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a "severe crossing of a red line." Katz stressed that any harm to IDF commanders and soldiers, who dedicate their lives to the security of the state, would not be tolerated, and urged authorities to take swift action against the rioters.

Interior Minister and Shas MK Moshe Arbel was quoted by Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, as saying that the assault on Zini by "a mob of uneducated and uncivilized individuals" did not reflect the values instilled in Torah learners.

This is not the first time Maj.-Gen. Zini has faced such hostility in Bnei Brak. In July 2023, he was verbally attacked by extremists in the city while attending a meeting with a rabbi to discuss the launch of the Hashmonaim Brigade. The crowd surrounded him and his associate, shouting insults, and the police were forced to intervene to ensure their safety.