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Israel Police Signal Shift Away From ‘Skunk’ Crowd-Control Spray After Court Petition

A police letter says the force expects to end its supplier contract, with other crowd‑dispersal tools under evaluation.

Overview

  • Recent internal discussions produced a principled decision to promote alternatives to the malodorous spray, according to Hamevaser and subsequent reports.
  • In a written response to Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Meir Brim, police said they expect to soon conclude their contract with the Skunk manufacturer.
  • The move follows a High Court petition by dozens of haredi Jerusalem residents and Brim against the Israel Police and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
  • Petitioners allege severe health and environmental harms, use in dense residential streets, and a lack of Health Ministry safety approval for the substance.
  • Deployed since 2008 and exported abroad, Skunk has drawn years of complaints and lawsuits, while haredi leaders including MK Meir Porush welcomed the review and potential phaseout.