Israeli media broadcast footage of dozens of Orthodox Jews pursuing Major-General David Zini who is leading the establishment of the Haredi Hashmonim Brigade in the army.

The incident took place Thursday night at the Goldiz restaurant in Bnei Brak, central Israel. Protesters hurled insults at Zini calling him a “killer and Nazi”.

Israeli police announced they arrested three of them and had to rescue the general and his assistant from the restaurant.

The Israeli military highlighted “the important work of Major-General David Zini to recruit members of the Haredi community”.

“The [army] views with severity and condemns any violent behaviour towards its members who work day and night for the security of the state and its citizens,” a statement said.