Yoav Eliasi Officially Removed from Israeli Police Following Misconduct Hearing

Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzel," has been officially dismissed from his volunteer role in the Israeli police after a disciplinary hearing linked to an ongoing Police Investigations Department (Mahash) inquiry. Eliasi, who served as a commander of a rapid response unit in the Tel Aviv district, was suspended from duty following allegations that he misused police connections to benefit a nightlife venue in Tel Aviv. The investigation also involves three police officers suspected of providing favors to a nightclub owned by Eliasi's brother.

Sources close to Eliasi explained that his removal was automatic under police protocol, which mandates that any volunteer under investigation is immediately suspended pending the outcome, a status known as "Mabad" (awaiting legal review). They added that if Eliasi is cleared of wrongdoing, he could return to police service. Eliasi himself denied any misuse of his police contacts and stated that remarks made in a private conversation did not lead to any actual misconduct.

Following the hearing, Eliasi emphasized his pride in his three years of volunteer service, highlighting his dedication and sacrifices, including working under fire and during terror incidents. Despite his statements, the police decided to end his volunteer service. The criminal investigation by Mahash into Eliasi and the implicated officers is still ongoing, and no final legal conclusions have been reached.

Eliasi criticized media reports claiming he was "fired," clarifying that his suspension is procedural and that the system halts activity for volunteers under investigation until cleared. He expressed pride in his contributions and stated that no headline could diminish his commitment to the police force.