Israel's Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) has summoned a Tel Aviv district police officer for a cautionary interrogation following footage of violent conduct against Haredi protesters, according to a first report. Mahash sources said they will not overlook the violent conduct and that additional officers are expected to be questioned soon.
The Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) has taken its first formal step in the growing wave of scrutiny over police conduct toward Haredi protesters, summoning a Tel Aviv district officer for a cautionary interrogation. A single-source report Wednesday morning said Mahash sources stated the department would not let the violent conduct documented in recent days pass, and that more officers are expected to be called in soon.
Mahash's move follows a series of incidents this month that have drawn public and internal attention: the suspension of an officer who kicked a Haredi protester on Highway 4 (June 17), the release of footage showing officers beating demonstrators with batons in Jerusalem (June 17), and an earlier break-in by Haredi rioters at the Beit Shemesh police station (June 6). Police Commissioner Danny Levi has also faced internal tension over the strict enforcement policy, reportedly reprimanding police spokespeople last week.
The investigation remains at an early stage. The specific officer involved has not been named, and no charges have been filed. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the department's response to police violence during these protests has been a subject of public debate.
- DevelopingPolice officers to face Justice Ministry investigation over exceptional Haredi protest footage
- DevelopingPolice commissioner reportedly reprimands spokespeople over Haredi protest enforcement
- DevelopingShas MK Yoav Ben-Tzur accuses police of selective enforcement against Haredi protesters
- DevelopingShin Bet Jewish Division opens probe into Haredi extremist protesters
Source and signal
- Internal intake