During an unscheduled trip to Beit Shemesh on Thursday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his wife, Ayala, found themselves in the middle of a tense incident.
As reported by the minister’s office, while driving through the area, Ben-Gvir spotted graffiti on several walls featuring imagery of PLO flags. He promptly stopped to alert law enforcement about the defacement.
Soon after, a number of demonstrators believed to be affiliated with or sympathetic to Neturei Karta gathered near the location. They began shouting accusations and insults at the minister, including “Zionist,” “murderer,” “you support army conscription,” and “go away.”
The situation became more heated when, according to the minister’s office, a woman from the protest group physically attacked Ayala Ben-Gvir. Ayala is said to have responded by striking the woman in what was described as an act of self-defense.
Speaking directly to the agitators, Minister Ben-Gvir declared, “This is the State of Israel. The police will enforce the law here, too!”
Police arrived at the scene and used measures such as stun grenades and batons to disperse the protesters. Municipal workers and law enforcement also began removing the graffiti from the city walls.
Later in the day, Ayala Ben-Gvir went to the police and filed a formal complaint against the individual who allegedly assaulted her.
{Matzav.com Israel}