Israeli Lawmaker Files Complaint Against Police After Allegations of Assault

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit party filed a complaint on Sunday with the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) against officers he claims used excessive force during an altercation with civilians in the Mitzpe Jericho settlement 11 days prior. The complaint follows a report in Haaretz alleging that police suspect Kroizer and Otzma Yehudit CEO Itiel Neeman of aiding a suspect in violence against Palestinians to escape and of assaulting officers. During the incident, two officers were injured and taken to the hospital; one suffered a broken nose, and the other's arm was put in a cast due to a suspected fracture.

Kroizer stated in response to the Haaretz report that he was assaulted by officers even after identifying himself as a Knesset member. In a statement after filing his complaint, Kroizer said, "During the event, I found myself in a dispute between bereaved families and the police. I stepped out, identified myself as a Knesset member, and tried to calm things down and assist the officers. Unfortunately, instead of de-escalating the situation, the officers, in my opinion, used unreasonable force against me and those present."

The officer whose nose was broken provided a statement immediately after the incident. Haaretz reported that Neeman, who is also a candidate for Knesset, incited the crowd while blocking the police vehicle carrying the suspect. He allegedly told officers they could proceed only if the suspect was released and their confiscated phones returned. The phones were found in the vehicle the suspect was traveling in before his arrest.

After the suspect escaped amid the commotion, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene. According to sources familiar with the incident, Ben-Gvir sided with the protesters and accused one of the officers of using unnecessary violence. The suspect who escaped has not yet been apprehended. Previously, Ben-Gvir had criticized Mahash, calling it the private police force of Bahrav Miara.