Israeli Police Officer Investigated for Favoring Rapper Yoav Eliasi in Tel Aviv Club Case

On Sunday, the Israeli Police Investigations Department (Mahash) questioned a police officer holding the rank of Chief Inspector on suspicion of breaching trust by promoting the interests of rapper Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzel," in a Tel Aviv entertainment complex. The officer was released under restrictive conditions, including a 10-day ban on entering police facilities or contacting involved parties. The investigation is ongoing.

This probe follows a recent decision by Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi to remove Eliasi, a close associate of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, from his position as commander of the standby unit in the Tel Aviv district. This action came after a report revealed Eliasi boasted about leveraging his police connections to prevent the closure of a club where he is a partner. Recordings surfaced showing Eliasi claiming his ties helped stop the shutdown of the John Doe club after a violent incident. Additionally, Eliasi's firearm was confiscated.

The entertainment complex includes the John Doe nightclub and the Q Gallery restaurant above it, operated separately but with overlapping shareholders, including Eliasi family members. The ownership structure involves several holding companies, with Itamar Eliasi initially founding one company in January 2025 and transferring shares to his brother Yoav and their father Rafael before reclaiming full ownership a year later.

Security team leader Idan Harpak testified that Eliasi was known for resolving police issues related to the club, with staff using his name to avoid trouble. Eliasi reportedly expressed frustration over police decisions to close the club early and maintained close relationships with officers, including one named Menashe Menzur.

Eliasi's lawyers, Ariel Atri and Yaniv Lankri, denied his dismissal, stating he voluntarily suspended his service pending the investigation and emphasizing his dedication to public security. They expect a formal hearing process to address the allegations.

The case highlights concerns about potential misuse of police influence to benefit private business interests linked to a politically connected figure.