Israeli Police Chief Removes Rapper Yoav Eliasi From Command Role After Investigation

Israeli Police Commissioner Major General Danny Levi decided on Thursday to remove rapper Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzalam" (The Shadow), from his position as commander of the rapid response unit in the Tel Aviv district. This decision cancels Eliasi's previous appointment to the role. The move follows an investigative report by Haaretz alleging that Eliasi, who is closely associated with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leveraged his police connections to benefit a Tel Aviv entertainment venue in which he was a partner.

The investigation published recordings in which Eliasi reportedly boasted about his ties to police officials and the assistance he received from them. These connections allegedly helped him prevent the closure of the "John Doe" club after a violent incident occurred there. Following the report, Commissioner Levi revoked Eliasi's appointment, ending his role within the police rapid response framework.

Simultaneously, the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) has opened a probe into the matter. At this stage, it is only an inquiry, with no criminal investigation initiated or results disclosed. Eliasi has been known for years as an associate of Minister Ben-Gvir, but the decision to remove him was made independently by Police Commissioner Levi. The Mahash investigation into the allegations remains ongoing.