Otzma Yehudit MK and Party Secretary Accused of Aiding Escape, Assaulting Police

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer and Itiel Neiman, the Secretary-General of the Otzma Yehudit party, are suspected of aiding a man suspected of violence against Palestinians to escape police custody and of assaulting officers. The allegations, reported by journalist Josh Breiner on the Haaretz website, state that both individuals were part of a crowd that blocked a police vehicle carrying the detainee and confronted officers. Two police officers were injured in the incident, with one suffering a broken nose and the other having his hand cast due to a suspected fracture. Neiman and Kroizer deny the accusations.

According to the report, Neiman, who is ranked tenth on the Otzma Yehudit list for the Knesset, incited the crowd that blocked the police car. He allegedly told the officers that they would only be allowed to proceed if the suspect was released and the phones seized from the suspects' car were handed over to him. Following the detainee's escape amidst the commotion, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene. Sources familiar with the incident claim Ben-Gvir sided with the crowd and accused a police officer of using excessive force. The escaped suspect has not yet been apprehended.

Police officers reported being assaulted with punches and severe violence. Senior officials in the Investigations and Intelligence Division were reportedly surprised by the level of violence and the involvement of Otzma Yehudit figures. Senior police officials are calling for Neiman and Kroizer to be investigated for obstructing, assaulting, and aiding the escape of a detainee.