(i24) Two female IDF soldiers were rescued by police on Sunday after a disturbance erupted during their visit to the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak. According to police, the soldiers were in the city as part of a “welfare activity connected to their military service,” and the situation was brought under control after officers intervened.

During the unrest, several people reportedly suffered light injuries from pepper spray, and a police vehicle overturned. Footage from the scene also showed a police motorcycle set on fire amid the clashes. The police said they have arrested 12 troublemakers.

WATCH: Two female IDF soldiers were rescued by police on Sunday after a disturbance erupted during their visit to the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak pic.twitter.com/8GRFSvWXa5

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) February 15, 2026

Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, strongly condemned the violence, describing those involved as a “small anarchist and violent group.” He stressed that the actions — attacking female soldiers, injuring police officers, and torching police property — were “serious and criminal,” while emphasizing that they did not represent the broader ultra-Orthodox community.

Israeli PM Netanyahu also issued a statement strongly condemning the incident. He noted that the attackers are part of an “extreme minority that does not represent the entire Haredi society.” “This is serious and unacceptable,” he added.

Opposition figures issued harsh reactions. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, accused extremist rioters of behaving like terrorists and criticized the government for what he called inaction. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said a “red line” had been crossed, warning that attacks on IDF soldiers in public constituted a breakdown of law and order.

National Unity leader Benny Gantz called the images from Bnei Brak a “moral low point,” urging police to prosecute those responsible and demanding unequivocal condemnation from coalition members and ultra-Orthodox leaders.