Police Investigate Israeli Lawmakers' Role in Settler-Police Clash

Israeli police are investigating the potential involvement of Knesset Member Itzhak Kroizer and Itiel Neiman, Director General of the Otzma Yehudit party, in a recent clash with officers in the settlement of Mitzpe Jericho, east of Jerusalem. The incident, which occurred about a week and a half ago, resulted in injuries to three police officers, including a broken nose for one and a broken arm for another. Both Kroizer and Neiman were reportedly present at the scene but deny any involvement in the violence. Authorities may summon them for questioning as suspects or witnesses. The investigation was first reported by Haaretz. Kroizer claims police officers attacked him, stating, "Police officers attacked me, even after I identified myself as a Knesset Member. The accusations against me are a collection of baseless lies." According to Ynet, the confrontation began when officers from the Judea and Samaria district arrived to arrest a suspect whose car was allegedly used in an earlier attack. The suspect fled into a memorial ceremony site, and when police attempted to apprehend him, a scuffle broke out between the officers and settlers attending the ceremony. Police sources assert that the settlers initiated the physical altercation. In addition to the injured officers, a Yasam special unit fighter sustained a broken nose and a patrol officer a broken arm. Settlers also reportedly damaged a police vehicle with a knife. The police are reviewing evidence to determine the roles of all involved. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene shortly after the clashes subsided. One police officer alleged that the minister behaved aggressively and deliberately ignored officers, while settlers shouted "You are Nazis!" at the police. Ben-Gvir denies these claims, stating he was attending a memorial ceremony and was incidentally near the incident, remaining apart from the confrontation.