Extremist protesters attempt to storm IDF building near Bnei Brak, two arrested
Violent clashes erupt near Bnei Brak as dozens of extremist protesters attempt to force their way into a building housing an IDF unit responsible for integrating haredi soldiers.
Two haredi protesters were apprehended on Wednesday evening after attempting to breach a facility in Bnei Brak, Israel, where haredi soldiers participate in the IDF's Kodkod program for software development and cybersecurity training. Most demonstrators at the protest were minors.
The Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police station and Border Police responded to the situation, arresting the two individuals for disorderly conduct. They were subsequently brought to a police station for questioning. The incident, which marked the second break-in attempt at the location within a week, has reignited protests surrounding the haredi soldiers serving in the building.
The Kodkod program, launched in 2023, permits haredi men aged 23 and older, who are ineligible for combat roles, to serve in technology-related positions within the IDF. As of 2026, approximately 1,000 soldiers are enrolled in the program, with an anticipated increase to 1,100-1,200 by year-end, including hundreds of new recruits annually.
Despite the program's growth, protests persist against it. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett both criticized the protesters, accusing haredi leadership and the Netanyahu government of fostering unrest.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
