Israeli MK to Be Questioned by Police Over Assault Allegations

Member of Knesset Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit party is scheduled to appear for questioning under caution on Sunday at the Lahav 433 police unit. He is suspected of involvement in assaulting police officers during a confrontation in the settlement of Mitzpe Jericho in the Judean Desert earlier this month. Kroizer, who claims he was the one attacked by the officers, stated before his interrogation that he has nothing to hide and will not be intimidated by a "gang of criminals" attempting to use his defense of his rights as a basis for criminal investigation.

The incident occurred when undercover officers arrived to arrest a suspect. The suspect allegedly fled into an area where a memorial for IDF fallen soldiers was taking place. A violent confrontation ensued between the officers and settlers present, resulting in injuries to three officers, including a broken nose for a Yasam combatant and a broken hand for a patrol officer. A police detective vehicle was also damaged with a knife during the melee.

Shortly after the clashes subsided, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene. According to a police officer's testimony, Ben-Gvir behaved aggressively and dismissively towards the police presence. Ben-Gvir denied these claims, stating he was merely present for the memorial service in the area and witnessed the confrontation from the sidelines.

About a week and a half after the violent incident, it was reported that police began examining the involvement of MK Kroizer and Itiel Neiman, CEO of the Otzma Yehudit party. Both deny any connection to the assault on the officers. Kroizer had previously attempted to file a complaint against the officers with the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), asserting he was attacked even after identifying himself as a Knesset member and calling the allegations baseless lies. He presented documentation he claims proves his non-violent conduct and showed scratches and bruises on his body.

Following the incident, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara authorized the police to investigate Kroizer. The investigation file was transferred to Lahav 433 by order of the Head of the Investigations and Intelligence Directorate, Superintendent Boaz Balat. Kroizer reiterated his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation, expressing his belief that the timing, shortly before elections, suggests a political motive to frame him as a suspect.