Beersheba Deputy Mayor Denounces Assault Charges as Political Persecution of IDF Soldiers

Shimon Tobol, the deputy mayor of Beersheba and a member of the Noam party, addressed the assault charges filed against him related to an incident in September 2024. Tobol, who was serving in active reserve duty at the time, allegedly assaulted two workers at a gas station near the entrance to Kfar Aza after a dispute over loud Arabic music played from a car. Tobol claims he acted following a report from a local kibbutz resident who said the driver playing the music attempted a vehicular attack.

Speaking at a closed Beersheba city council meeting on July 29, 2026, Tobol rejected the charges as a form of persecution against IDF soldiers, stating, "They are not trying to persecute Shimon Tobol, the deputy mayor, they are trying to persecute Shimi Tobol from the reserves." He emphasized his pride in serving and criticized those who question the IDF, referencing harsh remarks made by some Knesset members against soldiers.

Tobol also responded to protests calling for his removal and a city council motion regarding the case, questioning whether the protesters had served in the reserves since October 7. He cited supportive statements from his battalion commander and brigade commander, who praised his vigilance and initiative in protecting civilians.

He further alleged the timing of the indictment, coinciding with his announcement to run for the Knesset, was politically motivated. "This is political persecution because I am a right-wing man who wears a kippah and is popular with the public," Tobol said. The case remains a contentious issue in Beersheba politics and the broader debate over the treatment of IDF reservists involved in civilian incidents.