Ultra-Orthodox extremists burn national flag

Police opened an investigation after a video showing the burning of Israeli flags and wreaths laid in memory of fallen IDF soldiers in Jerusalem, was circulated on Thursday.

The video, retweeted by KAN News, showed two wreaths on the ground burning alongside a number of Israeli flags in flames.

MK Yakov Asher of the United Torah Judaism Party attributed the action to ultra-Orthodox extremists, saying that “Their wrongful deeds, which are worthy of condemnation, have long since taken away from them the title of ‘ultra-Orthodox,’ they do not deserve.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the act was “barbaric” and “shockingly disrespectful...committed against those who died so that we can live and breathe here today.”

He hoped that “the law enforcement officials responsible for carrying out justice will do so speedily.”

The IDF released a statement saying, “Bereaved families and [the IDF] condemn this disgusting and outrageous behavior. The Israel Police will prosecute the perpetrators of this criminal act.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi called it a “serious and shameful incident.”