Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzhak Kreuzer, as well as the far-Right party’s director-general Itiel Neiman, are under investigation for their suspected involvement in a violent altercation with Israel Police over the attempted arrest of an extremist settler several weeks ago, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
During the altercation, one police officer had his nose broken, another broke his hand, and damage was caused to a patrol car with a knife during the altercation.
Initially, police officers were reportedly pursuing a suspect in an attack from earlier in the day through Mitzpe Yeriho, who attempted to escape by fleeing to an area where a memorial was being held by local settlers, Ynet reported.
According to Haaretz, the settlers, including Kreuzer and Neiman, proceeded to block the officers’ patrol car from continuing, with Kreuzer specifically alleged to have led the crowd and demanded the police relinquish both the chase and cellphones which had been seized from the suspect’s vehicle.
The altercation escalated, with onlookers reportedly shouting that the police officers were Nazis, eventually leading to a physical confrontation.
During the altercation, National Security Minister and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene.
According to Ynet and Haaretz, citing a police officer, Ben-Gvir proceeded to take the side of the crowd and accused the police of using excessive force. Ben-Gvir denies the allegation, claiming he arrived to attend the memorial service and remained on the sidelines during the altercation.
Otzma Yehudit MK files complaint over alleged excessive force by police
Following the publication of the incident, Kreuzer filed a complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department (PIID), claiming police used excessive force against him after he identified himself as a Knesset member.
“The event honored four fallen heroes – including my childhood friend, the late Aviad Neiman – who lost their lives in Lebanon,” Kreuzer said, describing the memorial.
“During the event, a confrontation broke out between the bereaved families and the officers present. I stepped in, identified myself as a Member of Knesset, and attempted to calm the situation and assist the officers. Regrettably, instead of de-escalating the incident, the officers – in my view – used unreasonable force against the other attendees and me.”
Kreuzer also blamed the Head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division, Asst.-Ch. Boaz Blat, for the event, saying that he “repeatedly acts in opposition” to Ben-Gvir’s policies.
“It is important for me to emphasize: the vast majority of Israel Police officers perform sacred work, and we stand firmly behind them!” he said. “However, when officers exceed their authority and act unlawfully, we will not remain silent; we will utilize every legal avenue available.”
