Ophel Malul Details Alleged Rape at Kibbutz, Criticizes Police Investigation
Ophel Malul, who recently revealed her identity and alleged she was raped at a kibbutz, shared a harrowing account of the incident in a detailed interview with 103FM on August 6, 2026. She described the day starting normally at the kibbutz pool with her mother, where a group of local men joined them. Malul recounted how she was drinking wine and Sprite when one man poured vodka into her cup. She then lost consciousness and later woke up on the floor, screaming for help. Emergency services and police arrived, and she was taken to the hospital where doctors confirmed the assault was brutal. Malul expressed frustration over what she described as numerous police failures in handling the investigation, including delays in collecting evidence and insufficient communication with her.
Malul criticized the police for not acting promptly, stating that the mishandling severely compromised the evidence. Her lawyer, Gidi Costa, echoed these concerns, highlighting that basic investigative steps, such as questioning the couple whose home was the crime scene, had not been properly conducted. Costa emphasized four undisputed facts supporting the rape claim: Malul was found at the couple's home, was physically incapacitated, medical findings confirmed assault, and she screamed that she was raped. He called for the couple to be investigated as suspects, accusing them of aiding the assault.
The police rejected the allegations of negligence, stating that a comprehensive investigation was underway but declined to provide details due to the ongoing case. The kibbutz also declined to comment on the specific case but affirmed its commitment to member safety and privacy. Malul, who previously gave an emotional interview to Maariv, expressed ongoing trauma and fear, saying she no longer feels safe in her home. More than a month after the complaint was filed, the investigation continues, with Malul demanding full accountability and protection for victims.
The case has sparked public outrage over police handling of sexual assault investigations and raised concerns about victim safety in communal settings like kibbutzim.
