Ramat Beit Shemesh: Ultra-Orthodox protesters confronted far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and attacked his wife during a visit to a Haredi neighborhood in central Israel, police said on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the confrontation erupted in the Ramat Beit Shemesh neighborhood, where demonstrators surrounded Ben-Gvir's vehicle, attempted to damage it, and injured his wife, Ayala, according to police. Officers stated they were 'compelled to use force to repel' the attackers and arrested at least one suspect.

In a statement, Ben-Gvir mentioned that he and his wife had stopped in the area and called the police to report Palestinian flags painted on the side of a building. He stated that they were then attacked by members of the anti-Zionism Neturei Karta group. Ben-Gvir's spokesperson relayed that demonstrators shouted anti-enlistment slogans, labeling the far-right minister as a 'Zionist' and a 'murderer.'

The statement further detailed that Ayala Ben-Gvir 'was violently attacked by an activist who slapped her.' The spokesperson noted that Ayala defended herself and slapped back, while police used 'stun grenades, batons and other means' to disperse demonstrators who were waving Palestinian flags.

A video recorded at the scene shows Ben-Gvir standing beside graffiti of Palestinian flags, shouting over protesters. He condemned the situation as 'a shame and a disgrace,' and vowed that Beit Shemesh 'will not become an extraterritorial domain outside the bounds of the law.' Ben-Gvir, known for his anti-Palestinian rhetoric, pledged decisive action from law enforcement.