MK Ofer Cassif Convicted of Assaulting Police Officer

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court has convicted Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif of aggravated assault against a police officer. The conviction stems from a physical confrontation that occurred approximately four years ago during a protest in the southern Hebron Hills region. According to the indictment, the incident began when Cassif attempted to drive his private vehicle directly into the protest area. Security forces blocked his path for operational reasons, leading to a heated argument. The court found that Cassif then drove his car forward, hitting a police officer's leg, and subsequently exited his vehicle to physically strike the officer on the head. The officer sustained injuries to his head and leg. Cassif claimed parliamentary immunity allowed his movement, that the collision was accidental, and the strike was self-defense, also alleging selective enforcement. The court rejected these claims, ruling that security forces acted within their authority and that while immunity permitted movement on foot, it did not allow endangering individuals or obstructing police with his vehicle. The court determined the strike was not self-defense as it was disproportionate to the officer's minor contact with Cassif's face. The conviction was based on a totality of evidence, including videos and testimonies. Cassif, formerly a university lecturer, has a history of controversial statements. In 2019, a petition to disqualify his candidacy was rejected, and more recently, the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify him for the 2026 elections was overturned by the Supreme Court, which cited high legal standards for disqualification despite deeming his past statements and actions "outrageous."