Yoav Eliasi Denies Wrongdoing After Police Hearing Over Alleged Misuse of Security Role

Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzel," was removed from his position as commander of a police readiness unit following an investigation that revealed he boasted about using his role to prevent the closure of a leisure venue. After his police hearing, Eliasi expressed a strong desire to move past the incident and return to police service, stating he had paused his duties to protect his fellow officers from the fallout. He explained that the incident involved a close friend who called him at 2 a.m., and he felt compelled to help, emphasizing that such actions are common among Israelis. Eliasi insisted there was nothing improper beyond that.