Civil Rights Group Demands Police Explanation for Snipers Aiming Weapons at Haifa Civilians
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has formally requested the Israel Police investigate the deployment of sharpshooters on rooftops in Haifa and the direction of their weapons towards civilians, as allegedly documented in photos released by the police themselves. In a letter sent on September 9 to senior police officials, including the Commander of the Coastal District, ACRI argued that this conduct endangers lives and violates regulations. The organization is demanding a comprehensive inquiry, disciplinary action against those responsible, and clarification of instructions for all police units.
The focus of the complaint is a September 4 Facebook post by the Haifa Police Station. The accompanying photos reportedly show officers aiming weapons from concealed positions at civilians and vehicles, while other officers question the occupants. The post stated that "sharpshooter teams are deployed at central points throughout Haifa, operating openly and covertly to locate, prevent, and thwart criminal activity in real-time." ACRI acknowledged the operation likely aimed to increase police presence, reinforce governance, and enhance public security in the city.
However, ACRI contends that this objective does not justify aiming weapons at civilians. "In fact, it appears the only danger was to the lives and physical integrity of the civilians towards whom the officers' weapons were aimed while they were sitting in their vehicles," the association stated. They also questioned whether citizens seeing weapons pointed at them or others, without apparent danger, would feel safer.
The appeal also referenced two prior incidents in Haifa: in July 2024, an officer was filmed on a rooftop with his weapon allegedly aimed at protesters, and on June 25, a Border Police officer was filmed on a rooftop during an independent Pride Parade with his weapon reportedly aimed at marchers.
ACRI cited police safety regulations stating that weapons should not be aimed at individuals except during operational activities requiring firing. They also referred to firearm use directives, emphasizing that using a weapon for self-defense or defense of others is permissible only under conditions of immediate danger and when no other means are available. ACRI believes the published photos do not indicate such circumstances and that the police's initiative in releasing them suggests a broader command and ethical failure.
The police, in a prior response, stated that the area had recently experienced serious crime, including murders. They explained that increased deployments of officers and specialized forces were decided upon following situation assessments to prevent crime and protect the public. The Israel Police further commented that a response to ACRI's inquiry would be provided by the appropriate authorities, not through the media.
