Israeli Woman Alleges Rape in Kibbutz Jacuzzi, Criticizes Police Investigation Delays
Opal Malul, a 37-year-old resident of Kibbutz Gevat in the Jezreel Valley, alleges she was drugged and raped in a jacuzzi at a kibbutz home on June 27. She recounts that the day began normally but ended with a traumatic event that erased her memory for several hours. Malul says she was at the kibbutz pool with her mother when a local man and two guests approached her, gave her a vodka-based drink, and shortly after she blacked out. She was later found by friends at the home of the men, disoriented and unable to communicate, repeatedly crying out that she had been raped.
Malul was taken to Bnei Zion Hospital in Haifa, where medical reports documented injuries consistent with sexual assault, including anal and genital trauma. Despite this, no arrests have been made a month after the incident. Malul and her lawyer, Gideon Costa, sharply criticize the police investigation, describing it as negligent and slow. They claim key suspects have not been properly questioned and significant evidence was not collected promptly. Costa highlights four undisputed facts: Malul was found at the suspects' home, her incapacitated state, medical documentation of injuries, and her repeated cries of assault.
Friends describe Malul's drastic emotional and physical decline since the assault, noting she has lost interest in life and struggles with severe symptoms. Malul herself emphasizes her determination to seek justice and transparency, openly sharing her story despite a prior request for a gag order. Meanwhile, the suspects deny all allegations through their lawyer, who condemns the public exposure as an attempt to influence legal proceedings. The kibbutz and Israeli police have declined detailed comment, with police affirming an ongoing investigation and rejecting claims of mishandling.
Knesset member Naama Lazimi has called on the Northern District Police Commander to review the investigation, citing concerns over delays and procedural failures. The case remains under active investigation with no arrests to date.
