Jerusalem Deputy Mayor calls for end to police use of ‘skunk spray’ in haredi neighborhoods

Deputy Mayor petitions Supreme Court

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Meir Brim filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Thursday, urging authorities to halt the police practice of using "skunk spray" to disperse demonstrations in haredi (ultra-Orthodox) neighborhoods. The chemical substance, known for its strong and lingering odor, has been deployed repeatedly during public protests, causing distress among residents.

Public concern over police methods

Brim argued that the use of the spray in densely populated, religious neighborhoods constitutes unnecessary collective punishment and violates the dignity and rights of civilians. He emphasized that other, less harmful crowd control methods should be adopted to address protests peacefully and proportionally.

“No other city would tolerate such treatment of its citizens,” Brim stated, calling on law enforcement and government officials to “act with restraint and respect toward the residents of Jerusalem.”

Legal and social implications

The petition highlights growing tension between the police and Jerusalem’s haredi community, who claim they are unfairly targeted by security measures. Legal experts suggest the court’s ruling could set a precedent for how crowd control tactics are regulated across Israel.

Author’s summary: Jerusalem’s deputy mayor appeals to the Supreme Court to stop police from using skunk spray in haredi areas, citing human rights and community dignity concerns.

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Israel National News Israel National News — 2025-11-28

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