Israeli Lawmaker Kroizer Summoned for Questioning Over Alleged Assault on Police

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer, from the Otzma Yehudit party, was summoned for questioning under caution by the Lahav 433 special investigations unit on Wednesday. The summons, approved by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, stems from allegations of involvement in an incident two weeks prior near Mitzpe Jericho, where three police officers were injured. The incident began when officers attempted to arrest a suspect involved in a violent assault. The suspect fled to an area where a memorial service was taking place, leading to a confrontation. Kroizer himself filed a complaint with the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) against the officers involved.

Kroizer vehemently denied wrongdoing, accusing the Attorney General of conducting a politically motivated "witch hunt" and engaging in "selective enforcement" ahead of the upcoming elections. He claimed police assaulted him during the memorial service, causing a broken rib, and that instead of investigating his complaint, authorities were attempting to make him the suspect. He further alleged that the Attorney General's actions were a "political decision" and contrasted the swift action in his case with perceived delays in investigating left-wing lawmakers.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Kroizer's party leader, echoed these sentiments, expressing grave concern over selective enforcement and the politicization of the justice system. Ben-Gvir stated that Kroizer was attending a memorial for a childhood friend when he was allegedly assaulted and injured. He questioned why investigations into other lawmakers, such as Gilad Kariv and Naama Lazimi, were not proceeding with similar speed. Ben-Gvir asserted that while most police officers are heroes, any officer found to have acted violently or unlawfully, particularly against an elected official, must be held accountable. He vowed that Otzma Yehudit would seek to remove the Attorney General from her position after the elections.