Israeli Lawmaker Files Complaint Against Police Amid Assault Allegations

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit party filed a complaint on Sunday with the Police Investigations Department (PID) against officers involved in an incident at Migdal Yitzhak. The complaint follows a report by Haaretz alleging that police suspect Kroizer and his party's CEO, Itiel Neeman, assisted a suspect in Jewish terrorism to escape from a police vehicle and assaulted officers during the event. One officer reportedly suffered a broken nose during the confrontation.

Kroizer stated that the incident occurred during a memorial event for fallen soldiers, including his childhood friend Aviad Neeman. He claimed he intervened to de-escalate a confrontation between bereaved families and the police, identifying himself as a Knesset member. Kroizer asserted that the officers used unreasonable force against him and others present.

While affirming his support for most Israeli police officers, Kroizer emphasized the need to address officers who exceed their authority. "The vast majority of Israel Police officers do holy work, and we give them full backing. But when there are officers who exceed their authority and act contrary to the law, we will not remain silent and will act with all legal tools," he stated.

Kroizer also criticized the head of the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department, Superintendent Boaz Balt, accusing him of acting against the policy of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir himself had previously confronted an officer at the scene, accusing them of excessive force against settlers. Kroizer added, "We will not allow a sacred memorial event to become a scene of confrontation, and we will not allow anyone to be above the law."