Israeli Police Signal Intent to End Use of “Skunk” Spray After Mounting Backlash

Israel’s police are preparing to move away from the use of the malodorous crowd-dispersal agent known as “Skunk,” amid sustained criticism and legal challenges over its effect on civilians, Hamevaser reported.

According to the report, recent internal deliberations within the police have resulted in a decision to begin examining other ways of addressing riots and public disturbances, with the long-term goal of abandoning the odor-based substance altogether.

“Skunk,” which was developed in Israel, is intended to scatter crowds through an overwhelming stench instead of tear gas or physical force. It is most commonly deployed via water cannons mounted on riot-control vehicles, though it has also been used in handheld devices and other delivery mechanisms. The product has additionally been sold to law-enforcement bodies outside Israel.

For years, the spray has drawn sharp opposition, especially in chareidi neighborhoods, where residents and communal leaders have said its use amounts to collective punishment, impacting families and passersby who have no connection to protests. Detractors have also warned that the substance can leave long-term damage to homes, streets, and the local environment.

The reported change in policy comes in the wake of a petition submitted to Israel’s Supreme Court by Yerushalayim Deputy Mayor Yitzchok Meir Brim, head of the Agudats Yisroel faction on the city council. Brim has maintained that the spray causes disproportionate harm to children, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents, and has called on police to stop deploying it in densely populated areas.

{Matzav.com}