MK Ofer Cassif Convicted of Assaulting Police Officer

Jerusalem District Court convicted Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif on Thursday of aggravated assault of a police officer, stemming from an incident in May 2022 during a demonstration in the southern Hebron Hills. The court accepted the prosecution's argument that Cassif intentionally struck a police officer with his vehicle and then physically assaulted him. According to the indictment, Cassif attempted to drive his vehicle towards the protest area, but officers blocked him. After an argument, Cassif drove backward a short distance before advancing toward an officer, hitting his leg. The prosecution further alleged that Cassif then exited his vehicle and struck the officer on the head. Cassif claimed the vehicle incident was accidental and the physical contact was self-defense, but the court found these claims inconsistent with video evidence and witness testimonies. Judge Elazar Bialin noted in his ruling that Cassif behaved aggressively and abusively towards the officers, using severe insults and curses. Cassif, who maintained his innocence, described the trial as political persecution aimed at silencing an alternative to the current government. He also criticized those leading the campaign against him, suggesting they have their own legal issues.

Cassif's defense argued that his actions were not assault and that he, as a Knesset member, should have immunity. However, the court ruled that his conduct did not fall under self-defense or parliamentary immunity. During the incident, Cassif reportedly called the officers "filthy liar," "swindler," "criminal," "scum of humanity," and other derogatory terms. Responding to a reporter's question about video evidence, Cassif questioned the credibility of such footage, implying it could be manipulated.