Israeli Lawmaker to Be Questioned by Police, Plans Counter-Complaint

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit party is scheduled to appear for questioning under caution at Lahav 433, the police's major crimes unit, on Sunday. He is suspected of assaulting a police officer during an altercation that occurred after a memorial event in the settlement of Vered Yericho. Kroizer claims that he was attempting to calm tensions and assist bereaved families when officers used excessive force against him, including beatings, throwing him to the ground, and pepper-spraying his eyes, despite him identifying himself as a Knesset member. Conversely, police sources allege that Kroizer attacked an officer, resulting in a broken nose for the policeman. The decision to investigate Kroizer under caution was made by the Legal Counsel to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, and State Attorney Amit Isman. Kroizer intends to file a complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department (MAHASH) after his questioning, alleging he was subjected to unreasonable force by the officers. He stated that he attempted to file a complaint earlier in the week but was prevented from doing so after a four-hour wait, citing an "order from above." Kroizer's representatives have stated his intention to cooperate with the investigation. The delay in processing his complaint was reportedly to ensure a unified account for both his complaint and the investigation against him, avoiding contradictory statements. The incident occurred after a memorial for four IDF soldiers who fell in Lebanon, including Aviad Neiman, a childhood friend of Kroizer's.