Israeli Police Officer Investigated for Sexual Harassment of Woman Filing Complaint at Station

On Thursday, a police investigations officer holding the rank of inspector was questioned under caution by the Jerusalem team of the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) on suspicion of sexually harassing and committing an indecent act against a woman who came to a police station to file a complaint. Following the interrogation, the officer was released under conditions that include a ban on entering police facilities and contacting the involved parties for 11 days. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier the same day, Mahash filed an indictment at the Nazareth Magistrate's Court against a 29-year-old man who served as a Border Police combatant in the Shahar unit in Jerusalem. He is charged with multiple counts of sexual harassment against a minor under the age of 14. The indictment, submitted by Mahash attorney Hila Cohen after an investigation by the Jerusalem team, alleges that about two years ago the accused initiated contact with the minor via Instagram and engaged in explicit sexual conversations, fully aware of the minor's young age.

The indictment details that the accused asked the minor if he had previous sexual encounters with adults, made sexually explicit remarks, invited the minor to his home multiple times, and offered to pick him up and provide anything he wanted. He also explained sexual acts and BDSM concepts, sent messages describing his sexual arousal, and requested photos. Despite the minor informing him of his exact birthdate and age, the accused continued the sexual conversations, suggested a threesome, and sought contact details of another minor to join.

The police officer under investigation was released with restrictions preventing contact with the complainants and access to police premises. The investigations into both cases are ongoing.