Israeli Lawmakers to Be Investigated for Assaulting Police Officer

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Issman have decided that MK Yitzhak Kroizer of Otzma Yehudit will be investigated under caution on suspicion of assaulting a police officer under aggravated circumstances. The investigation stems from a confrontation two weeks ago in Ma'ale Adumim, during which Kroizer claims police officers attacked him. According to reports, Kroizer's account will be taken by a joint investigation team that will examine both the suspicions against him and his complaint against the police officers.

Police sources alleged that Kroizer attacked an officer, resulting in the officer's broken nose. However, Kroizer's representatives stated that police officers used violence against him, the CEO of Otzma Yehudit Itiel Neiman, and his advisor. Sources close to Kroizer said the confrontation occurred during a memorial for fallen soldiers, including his close friend Aviad Neiman.

Video footage showing injuries to Kroizer's body surfaced three hours after the incident. Kroizer later attempted to file a complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department, but investigators delayed taking his statement, reportedly on the Attorney General's instructions, to consolidate testimony for the joint investigation.

Kroizer stated that the delay in filing his complaint was due to the holiday and the demands of his party's election campaign. Reacting to the decision to investigate him, Kroizer called it a "political persecution" and accused the Attorney General of "criminal exploitation of power" and "selective enforcement," alleging that the system is trying to turn the victim into a suspect.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the criticism, expressing concern about "selective enforcement and political use of the law enforcement system on the eve of elections." He demanded an "immediate and equitable investigation" and noted Kroizer's claim of being assaulted and suffering a broken rib. Ben-Gvir also pointed to a perceived disparity in the speed of investigations involving left-wing MKs compared to Kroizer's case. He affirmed his support for police officers but stated that any officer found to have unlawfully assaulted Kroizer should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, three suspects investigated for involvement in the events were released to house arrest. The commander of the Judea and Samaria Region, Superintendent Moshe Finchi, defended the investigators from the Ma'ale Adumim station, stating they performed their duties professionally and impartially.