Yoav Eliasi Investigated by Police Oversight Unit Over Alleged Misuse of Police Connections

Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzel," a right-wing rapper and activist, was summoned for questioning by the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) on August 5, 2026. Eliasi recently ended his role as commander of the rapid response unit in Tel Aviv following a Haaretz investigation that revealed he allegedly used his police connections for personal benefit. The probe centers on claims that Eliasi helped prevent the closure of the John Doe nightclub on Rothschild Boulevard after a violent incident in September, where a security guard was stabbed.

According to the Haaretz report, Eliasi boasted about leveraging his ties within the police to reduce the club's closure period from the standard 21 days to just one week. Former club employees corroborated that Eliasi’s influence granted the venue special treatment, with Idan Harpak, a former head of security who was stabbed in the incident, stating it was clear the club received favors due to Eliasi’s relationships with officers. Eliasi is also known to be close to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Following the investigation, the police commissioner launched an internal inquiry, and Eliasi has chosen to suspend his service until the investigation concludes. The case highlights concerns about the misuse of police influence to benefit private businesses and raises questions about the integrity of law enforcement oversight.