Three Police Officers Attacked; MK Kroizer and Otzma Yehudit CEO May Be Questioned

Three police officers were injured in a violent confrontation with settlers in Migdal Oz on Thursday, October 2, including a Yasam officer who suffered a broken nose. The Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred after officers pursued a minor settler driving a vehicle. The minor allegedly drove intentionally toward Migdal Oz, where a prayer service was underway with dozens of settlers. When police arrived to arrest the minor, some attendees confronted them, attempting to prevent the arrest and aid the minor's escape. This escalated into a violent clash where officers were assaulted. In addition to the injured officers, footage from the scene revealed that MK Yitzhak Kroizer of Otzma Yehudit and the party's CEO, Itiel Neiman, were present. While it has not been determined if they participated in the assault, police are considering summoning them for questioning as part of the investigation. Police sources stated that anyone present at the scene is considered a suspect. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene after the attack but, despite knowing about the officers' injuries, did not publicly condemn the violence or express support for the officers. This silence has caused resentment among officers, particularly those injured and their colleagues, who expected a clear condemnation from the minister responsible for the police. Sources close to the incident noted Ben-Gvir's silence was particularly striking given the presence of senior figures from his party, calling his behavior unusual compared to his typical public support for officers attacked in the line of duty. The investigation is ongoing, with police collecting evidence to identify those involved in the assault. No suspects have been summoned for questioning as of this report.