2 july 2013
The assault
Assault of girl in Jerusalem documented on security cameras, but even after father obtains video, brings to police, nothing done. Father says he was met with police indifference, suspect remains free. 'Case currently focused on gathering information,' police respond
A video of a man sexually assaulting a girl in Jerusalem was handed over to the local police, but they did not investigate and the case was closed without arresting the suspect, the girl's father said.
Police stressed that the case was not closed and that efforts are being made to locate the attacker, but the father insisted that he tried to call the police when he thought he spotted the man – without success. For now, the man remains free.
About a year-and-a-half ago, a 13-year-old girl was attacked by a stranger near her home. In the video, a man is seen leading her to a stairwell and assaulting her while he periodically checks that no one is approaching. The girl told her parents about the incident, and they went to the Jerusalem District Police.
The father then filed a complaint for indecent action on a minor and the girl gave testimony, but the family said the case was closed.
“Along the entrance to our building, there is a passageway to a parallel street. It’s a neglected area and this is where he went with our daughter," the father told Ynet as he described the details of the attack.
"Probably because he was afraid of getting caught, he changed locations twice. He also asked our daughter if she could go with him to his home, but our oldest son had started looking for his sister and the man apparently panicked and left her alone," the father added.
According to the father, when he filed the complaint, he was asked by the police to check on his own whether the area has security cameras in place, and after much effort and persuasion, managed to get a video from a shop owner in the area. "At first he would not give me the video," the father said. "He wanted to transfer it directly to the police but they didn’t come to the location. It was only after persuasion and pleading that he gave me a copy. I went to the station and showed them the video. Officers were shocked and claimed they would take care of it."
According to the father, about a week after the incident, his son saw a man who looked similar to his daughter’s attacker, but the man noticed that the boy had a camera and left. The father turned directly to the police investigator, but was asked not to contact her directly, and to come to the station. The father said he asked that the police come as soon as he found his daughter’s attacker, but was scolded by the investigator.
A few weeks after the incident, the father was informed by police that "a decision was made to close the case and not pursue the investigation or the claims," but his children continued to see the attacker in the neighborhood. "My girl went through a very difficult time, every man she saw frightened her. She imagined her attacker on the street. The police acted incompetently, as if they did not care. They just fell asleep on duty."
Jerusalem Police countered the claims regarding the investigator and said, "The video was examined. An investigation was launched, but no suspects were found. Investigation of the case is currently focused on the intelligence level and the effort to locate the suspect."
Related stories:
Assault of girl in Jerusalem documented on security cameras, but even after father obtains video, brings to police, nothing done. Father says he was met with police indifference, suspect remains free. 'Case currently focused on gathering information,' police respond
A video of a man sexually assaulting a girl in Jerusalem was handed over to the local police, but they did not investigate and the case was closed without arresting the suspect, the girl's father said.
Police stressed that the case was not closed and that efforts are being made to locate the attacker, but the father insisted that he tried to call the police when he thought he spotted the man – without success. For now, the man remains free.
About a year-and-a-half ago, a 13-year-old girl was attacked by a stranger near her home. In the video, a man is seen leading her to a stairwell and assaulting her while he periodically checks that no one is approaching. The girl told her parents about the incident, and they went to the Jerusalem District Police.
The father then filed a complaint for indecent action on a minor and the girl gave testimony, but the family said the case was closed.
“Along the entrance to our building, there is a passageway to a parallel street. It’s a neglected area and this is where he went with our daughter," the father told Ynet as he described the details of the attack.
"Probably because he was afraid of getting caught, he changed locations twice. He also asked our daughter if she could go with him to his home, but our oldest son had started looking for his sister and the man apparently panicked and left her alone," the father added.
According to the father, when he filed the complaint, he was asked by the police to check on his own whether the area has security cameras in place, and after much effort and persuasion, managed to get a video from a shop owner in the area. "At first he would not give me the video," the father said. "He wanted to transfer it directly to the police but they didn’t come to the location. It was only after persuasion and pleading that he gave me a copy. I went to the station and showed them the video. Officers were shocked and claimed they would take care of it."
According to the father, about a week after the incident, his son saw a man who looked similar to his daughter’s attacker, but the man noticed that the boy had a camera and left. The father turned directly to the police investigator, but was asked not to contact her directly, and to come to the station. The father said he asked that the police come as soon as he found his daughter’s attacker, but was scolded by the investigator.
A few weeks after the incident, the father was informed by police that "a decision was made to close the case and not pursue the investigation or the claims," but his children continued to see the attacker in the neighborhood. "My girl went through a very difficult time, every man she saw frightened her. She imagined her attacker on the street. The police acted incompetently, as if they did not care. They just fell asleep on duty."
Jerusalem Police countered the claims regarding the investigator and said, "The video was examined. An investigation was launched, but no suspects were found. Investigation of the case is currently focused on the intelligence level and the effort to locate the suspect."
Related stories:
Israeli police on Tuesday arrested a second suspect in connection with a vandalism attack on a Catholic monastery last year, a spokesman said.
During the incident, which took place in September 2012, vandals set fire to the door of the Trappist monastery in Latrun and scrawled "Jesus is a monkey" on a nearby wall in an attack which shocked the religious and political establishment.
The perpetrators also scrawled the names of several settlement outposts on a nearby wall, the hallmark of a so-called "price tag" hate crime carried out by Jewish extremists.
One man was arrested in connection with the attack on Sunday and following his interrogation, police were tipped off about a second suspect who was arrested earlier on Tuesday, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"A second suspect was arrested early this morning in connection with vandalism at the monastery in Latrun," he said, without giving his name or age.
Rosenfeld said the suspect was from the Beit El settlement near Ramallah and was due to appear before Rishon LeTzion Magistrates Court later in the day.
On Monday, the same court had extended by four days the remand in custody of the first suspect, 22-year-old Moshe Orbach from Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv.
The Trappist abbey of Latrun lies just inside the West Bank, very close to the 1949 armistice line, and is one of the most famous monastic sites of the Holy Land.
"Price tag" attacks normally target Palestinians and Arabs and tend to involve the torching and vandalism of cars, mosques and olive trees.
But over the last few years, the attacks have widened in scope to include Christian churches and graveyards, anti-settlement activists and even, on occasion, the Israeli army.
Last year, police opened 623 files on price tag attacks, arrested 200 people and served 123 indictments, official figures show.
However, the police have never given a figure for how many people had actually been convicted of such attacks, with the number thought to be very low.
At the time, the Latrun attack was condemned by top Jewish and Catholic officials, by the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority and by Washington and Paris.
Last month, Israel increased the powers of the security establishment to crack down on the perpetrators of such attacks, outlawing them as belonging to an "illegal organization."
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon on Monday also pledged a tougher crackdown on the "price taggers."
"This is a severe phenomenon involving indiscriminate acts of violence against Arabs, damaging their property and risking lives, in order to prevent the Israeli government from acting a certain way," he said in a statement.
"We must toughen the punishments these outlaws gets, since the results of their actions are disastrous."
Meanwhile, police also arrested three Israeli football fans late on Monday after they attacked two Arab workers at a McDonald's takeaway in the city, a spokeswoman said.
They were due to appear before Jerusalem Magistrate's Court later on Tuesday.
During the incident, which took place in September 2012, vandals set fire to the door of the Trappist monastery in Latrun and scrawled "Jesus is a monkey" on a nearby wall in an attack which shocked the religious and political establishment.
The perpetrators also scrawled the names of several settlement outposts on a nearby wall, the hallmark of a so-called "price tag" hate crime carried out by Jewish extremists.
One man was arrested in connection with the attack on Sunday and following his interrogation, police were tipped off about a second suspect who was arrested earlier on Tuesday, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"A second suspect was arrested early this morning in connection with vandalism at the monastery in Latrun," he said, without giving his name or age.
Rosenfeld said the suspect was from the Beit El settlement near Ramallah and was due to appear before Rishon LeTzion Magistrates Court later in the day.
On Monday, the same court had extended by four days the remand in custody of the first suspect, 22-year-old Moshe Orbach from Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv.
The Trappist abbey of Latrun lies just inside the West Bank, very close to the 1949 armistice line, and is one of the most famous monastic sites of the Holy Land.
"Price tag" attacks normally target Palestinians and Arabs and tend to involve the torching and vandalism of cars, mosques and olive trees.
But over the last few years, the attacks have widened in scope to include Christian churches and graveyards, anti-settlement activists and even, on occasion, the Israeli army.
Last year, police opened 623 files on price tag attacks, arrested 200 people and served 123 indictments, official figures show.
However, the police have never given a figure for how many people had actually been convicted of such attacks, with the number thought to be very low.
At the time, the Latrun attack was condemned by top Jewish and Catholic officials, by the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority and by Washington and Paris.
Last month, Israel increased the powers of the security establishment to crack down on the perpetrators of such attacks, outlawing them as belonging to an "illegal organization."
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon on Monday also pledged a tougher crackdown on the "price taggers."
"This is a severe phenomenon involving indiscriminate acts of violence against Arabs, damaging their property and risking lives, in order to prevent the Israeli government from acting a certain way," he said in a statement.
"We must toughen the punishments these outlaws gets, since the results of their actions are disastrous."
Meanwhile, police also arrested three Israeli football fans late on Monday after they attacked two Arab workers at a McDonald's takeaway in the city, a spokeswoman said.
They were due to appear before Jerusalem Magistrate's Court later on Tuesday.
1 july 2013
Father detained
Nine-month-old baby found unconscious in car; police detain father, suspected of leaving baby in car for hours
A nine-month-old baby was found unconscious Monday in a car in Ramat Gan, after left in the car for several hours. After Magen David Adom paramedics attempted to perform CPR on the baby, she was pronounced dead at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. The baby's father, who is suspected of leaving his baby in the car, was taken in for questioning.
According to suspicion, the father dropped off his two older children, six-year-old twins, and drove back home. He then parked the car near the family residence and drove away in his motorcycle, leaving the baby in the car. According to police, the baby was in the car from 9 am to 4 pm.
When the baby's mother arrived at the daycare center where the baby was supposed to spend the day, she was told the baby had never made it to the center. She called the baby's father, who rushed to the car, realizing what had happened, but when he got to the car the baby was already unconscious.
"He cried out, 'This is my worst nightmare'; he was devastated," said the owner of a nearby kiosk.
According to Magen David Adom Spokesman Zachy Heller, "At 4 pm we received a call about a nine-month-old baby found in a car, after probably staying there for a few hours.
"Paramedics rushed to the scene and when they arrived they noticed the baby unconscious at the back seat of the car. While performing CPR, they evacuated her to the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where efforts to save her life continued, but she was eventually pronounced dead," Heller said.
A neighbor of the family said: "This is traumatic… my stomach is turning. If it happened to him it can happen to anybody."
According to friend of the family: "This is a very nice family, and he is a devoted father. He has always taken part in taking the kids to daycare. He was thrilled when the baby was born. It's not his fault."
Nine-month-old baby found unconscious in car; police detain father, suspected of leaving baby in car for hours
A nine-month-old baby was found unconscious Monday in a car in Ramat Gan, after left in the car for several hours. After Magen David Adom paramedics attempted to perform CPR on the baby, she was pronounced dead at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. The baby's father, who is suspected of leaving his baby in the car, was taken in for questioning.
According to suspicion, the father dropped off his two older children, six-year-old twins, and drove back home. He then parked the car near the family residence and drove away in his motorcycle, leaving the baby in the car. According to police, the baby was in the car from 9 am to 4 pm.
When the baby's mother arrived at the daycare center where the baby was supposed to spend the day, she was told the baby had never made it to the center. She called the baby's father, who rushed to the car, realizing what had happened, but when he got to the car the baby was already unconscious.
"He cried out, 'This is my worst nightmare'; he was devastated," said the owner of a nearby kiosk.
According to Magen David Adom Spokesman Zachy Heller, "At 4 pm we received a call about a nine-month-old baby found in a car, after probably staying there for a few hours.
"Paramedics rushed to the scene and when they arrived they noticed the baby unconscious at the back seat of the car. While performing CPR, they evacuated her to the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where efforts to save her life continued, but she was eventually pronounced dead," Heller said.
A neighbor of the family said: "This is traumatic… my stomach is turning. If it happened to him it can happen to anybody."
According to friend of the family: "This is a very nice family, and he is a devoted father. He has always taken part in taking the kids to daycare. He was thrilled when the baby was born. It's not his fault."
Security cameras at Jerusalem shopping center document riots; police say two fans attack Arabs with chair; fan insists argument erupted, resolved quickly
Two Beitar Jerusalem fans who reside in the capital were arrested Monday under suspicion of attacking Arab employees of a local McDonald's restaurant. Security cameras at the shopping center in which the alleged assaults occurred documented the events, and the suspects are to face a remand hearing Tuesday at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court.
According to police, the incident took place as part of a march by Beitar Jerusalem fans, who were supposed to start marching from the shopping center.
At the beginning of the march, several dozen fans blocked the entrance to the McDonald's restaurant, and two of them tried to physically assault the employees using chairs. Police detectives at the scene arrested the two, as well as five other people for rioting. "Several of the fans were sitting outside, when two Arab employees (of the McDonald's branch) stepped outside and told them they can't sit there," one of the fans told Ynet. "People started pushing each other, but the whole thing was quickly resolved. There may have been some racist slurs as part of a song, but not pointed at someone in particular," he added.
Police are looking into the circumstances and have yet to establish whether the assaults were nationalistically motivated.
Two Beitar Jerusalem fans who reside in the capital were arrested Monday under suspicion of attacking Arab employees of a local McDonald's restaurant. Security cameras at the shopping center in which the alleged assaults occurred documented the events, and the suspects are to face a remand hearing Tuesday at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court.
According to police, the incident took place as part of a march by Beitar Jerusalem fans, who were supposed to start marching from the shopping center.
At the beginning of the march, several dozen fans blocked the entrance to the McDonald's restaurant, and two of them tried to physically assault the employees using chairs. Police detectives at the scene arrested the two, as well as five other people for rioting. "Several of the fans were sitting outside, when two Arab employees (of the McDonald's branch) stepped outside and told them they can't sit there," one of the fans told Ynet. "People started pushing each other, but the whole thing was quickly resolved. There may have been some racist slurs as part of a song, but not pointed at someone in particular," he added.
Police are looking into the circumstances and have yet to establish whether the assaults were nationalistically motivated.
Commanders of soldier who died after jumping on moving train dismissed for allowing soldiers to hold party against protocol. Squadron has history of alcohol-related accidents
Four days after the death of a Navy combatant who fell off a moving train, it has been revealed that the previous night soldiers from his squadron held a booze party against protocol.
Navy commander Maj.-Gen. Ram Rotberg has decided to dismiss the soldiers' ranking officer, a captain, and his deputy, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.
Hanan Maman was killed Thursday after he jumped on a moving train in the hopes of retrieving a forgotten backpack. The tragedy occurred exactly one year after two officers from his squadron were killed after returning from a unit party involving heavy drinking.
Their car had overturned on Route 4 after it hit a truck; the two were killed instantly. It should be noted that the driver was not found to be driving under the influence.
Military Police are still investigating the circumstances behind Maman's death and have not ruled out the possibility it was alcohol-related.
The Navy also probed the case and officials were shocked to learn that officers had failed to draw lessons from last year's accident and went ahead with the party against protocol.
"We have no idea what the commanders were thinking when they signed off on this night," a senior Navy official said Sunday. "The boat commander knew that it was wrong."
The official noted that only last week commanders held a talk about alcohol drinking guidelines. It was therefore decided there should be no room for leniency and the two officers were dismissed.
It should be noted that the squadron commander, a lieutenant colonel, was dismissed last year following the Route 4 accident and a new commander, who according to officials has repeatedly warned against alcohol intake, was appointed in his place.
Sources within the IDF said that the Navy commander has been fighting against the boozing phenomenon. The IDF said in response, "The IDF shares in the Maman family's mourning.
The incident is being investigated by the Military Police and its conclusions will be turned over to the military prosecution. It should be noted that disciplinary measures have been taken."
Four days after the death of a Navy combatant who fell off a moving train, it has been revealed that the previous night soldiers from his squadron held a booze party against protocol.
Navy commander Maj.-Gen. Ram Rotberg has decided to dismiss the soldiers' ranking officer, a captain, and his deputy, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.
Hanan Maman was killed Thursday after he jumped on a moving train in the hopes of retrieving a forgotten backpack. The tragedy occurred exactly one year after two officers from his squadron were killed after returning from a unit party involving heavy drinking.
Their car had overturned on Route 4 after it hit a truck; the two were killed instantly. It should be noted that the driver was not found to be driving under the influence.
Military Police are still investigating the circumstances behind Maman's death and have not ruled out the possibility it was alcohol-related.
The Navy also probed the case and officials were shocked to learn that officers had failed to draw lessons from last year's accident and went ahead with the party against protocol.
"We have no idea what the commanders were thinking when they signed off on this night," a senior Navy official said Sunday. "The boat commander knew that it was wrong."
The official noted that only last week commanders held a talk about alcohol drinking guidelines. It was therefore decided there should be no room for leniency and the two officers were dismissed.
It should be noted that the squadron commander, a lieutenant colonel, was dismissed last year following the Route 4 accident and a new commander, who according to officials has repeatedly warned against alcohol intake, was appointed in his place.
Sources within the IDF said that the Navy commander has been fighting against the boozing phenomenon. The IDF said in response, "The IDF shares in the Maman family's mourning.
The incident is being investigated by the Military Police and its conclusions will be turned over to the military prosecution. It should be noted that disciplinary measures have been taken."
A court on Monday extended the remand of an Israeli man arrested on suspicion of vandalizing a Catholic monastery in a 2012 attack that shocked the Holy Land's religious and political establishment.
Moshe Orbach, 22, is a resident of Bnei Brak, a city near Tel Aviv with a predominantly ultra-Orthodox population, according to a protocol distributed by the Rishon LeTzion Magistrates' Court.
He is suspected of involvement in an attack in September 2012 in which the wooden door of the Trappist monastery in Latrun was burnt and "Jesus is a monkey" was scrawled on a wall.
The court extended his remand by four days.
The abbey, 15 kilometers west of Jerusalem on the border between Israel and the occupied West Bank by the 1949 armistice line, is one of the most famous monastic sites in the Holy Land.
In addition to the anti-Christian graffiti, the words "mutual guarantee" and the names of demolished outposts were spray-painted on the monastery walls.
This pointed to a "price tag" attack, a euphemism for extremist hate crimes that generally target Palestinians.
Initially targeting Palestinians in retaliation for state moves to dismantle unauthorized settler outposts, such attacks have since become broader with racist and xenophobic overtones.
The Latrun incident was condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Palestinian Authority urged Israel to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger called it a "heinous crime", and the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land urged the authorities to put an end to "this senseless violence" and "ensure a 'teaching of respect' in schools".
Last month Israeli ministers moved to increase the powers of the security establishment to crack down on the phenomenon, declaring that those involved belonged to an "illegal organization", and on Monday Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon ratified the decision.
"This is a severe phenomenon involving indiscriminate acts of violence against Arabs, damaging their property and risking lives, in order to prevent the Israeli government from acting a certain way," he said.
"We must toughen the punishments these outlaws gets, since the results of their actions are disastrous," Yaalon added in remarks relayed by his bureau.
Following a June attack in which 28 cars were vandalized in the Palestinian village of Abu Ghosh near Jerusalem, Education Minister Shai Piron pledged to institutionalize "coexistence meetings" between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the new school year.
At a Sunday get-together of young Jews and Arabs at Abu Ghosh, Piron said such meetings vitally important and "an inseparable part of the educational system's agenda".
Also last month, graves were desecrated in an Arab Christian cemetery in Jaffa.
In 2012, police opened 623 files on price tag attacks, arrested 200 people and served 123 indictments, an official said earlier this month.
So far this year, they have opened 165 files on attacks, arrested 76 suspects and served 31 indictments, with police insisting that such crimes are a "top priority."
Moshe Orbach, 22, is a resident of Bnei Brak, a city near Tel Aviv with a predominantly ultra-Orthodox population, according to a protocol distributed by the Rishon LeTzion Magistrates' Court.
He is suspected of involvement in an attack in September 2012 in which the wooden door of the Trappist monastery in Latrun was burnt and "Jesus is a monkey" was scrawled on a wall.
The court extended his remand by four days.
The abbey, 15 kilometers west of Jerusalem on the border between Israel and the occupied West Bank by the 1949 armistice line, is one of the most famous monastic sites in the Holy Land.
In addition to the anti-Christian graffiti, the words "mutual guarantee" and the names of demolished outposts were spray-painted on the monastery walls.
This pointed to a "price tag" attack, a euphemism for extremist hate crimes that generally target Palestinians.
Initially targeting Palestinians in retaliation for state moves to dismantle unauthorized settler outposts, such attacks have since become broader with racist and xenophobic overtones.
The Latrun incident was condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Palestinian Authority urged Israel to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger called it a "heinous crime", and the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land urged the authorities to put an end to "this senseless violence" and "ensure a 'teaching of respect' in schools".
Last month Israeli ministers moved to increase the powers of the security establishment to crack down on the phenomenon, declaring that those involved belonged to an "illegal organization", and on Monday Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon ratified the decision.
"This is a severe phenomenon involving indiscriminate acts of violence against Arabs, damaging their property and risking lives, in order to prevent the Israeli government from acting a certain way," he said.
"We must toughen the punishments these outlaws gets, since the results of their actions are disastrous," Yaalon added in remarks relayed by his bureau.
Following a June attack in which 28 cars were vandalized in the Palestinian village of Abu Ghosh near Jerusalem, Education Minister Shai Piron pledged to institutionalize "coexistence meetings" between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the new school year.
At a Sunday get-together of young Jews and Arabs at Abu Ghosh, Piron said such meetings vitally important and "an inseparable part of the educational system's agenda".
Also last month, graves were desecrated in an Arab Christian cemetery in Jaffa.
In 2012, police opened 623 files on price tag attacks, arrested 200 people and served 123 indictments, an official said earlier this month.
So far this year, they have opened 165 files on attacks, arrested 76 suspects and served 31 indictments, with police insisting that such crimes are a "top priority."
Yisrael Wells
By: David Ross
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man, who was jailed for killing his own child, recently celebrated the birth of his new baby boy in Jerusalem, Israel.
Yisrael Wells, a Jerusalem yeshiva student, who was convicted of killing his baby by shaking him and hitting him against the wall, celebrated the birth and ritual circumcision party of his new baby boy this week.
Wells was sentenced to six years in prison and was released a year ago, after his sentenced was reduced due to good behavior. The celebration was a secret affair, fearing widespread media interest.
Wells' wife stood by her husband, even after being convicted. Before he began serving his sentence, the couple had another child. This is the second child born to them after the incident.
A family member said: "Only close family and friends were present at the celebration. Everyone wants to forget what happened in the past. Wells and his wife are living happily. At the celebration there was an atmosphere of starting new. No one at the party mentioned the tragedy, and everyone has moved on."
By: David Ross
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man, who was jailed for killing his own child, recently celebrated the birth of his new baby boy in Jerusalem, Israel.
Yisrael Wells, a Jerusalem yeshiva student, who was convicted of killing his baby by shaking him and hitting him against the wall, celebrated the birth and ritual circumcision party of his new baby boy this week.
Wells was sentenced to six years in prison and was released a year ago, after his sentenced was reduced due to good behavior. The celebration was a secret affair, fearing widespread media interest.
Wells' wife stood by her husband, even after being convicted. Before he began serving his sentence, the couple had another child. This is the second child born to them after the incident.
A family member said: "Only close family and friends were present at the celebration. Everyone wants to forget what happened in the past. Wells and his wife are living happily. At the celebration there was an atmosphere of starting new. No one at the party mentioned the tragedy, and everyone has moved on."
IDF soldiers checking a Palestinian taxi driver on Route 443 in the West Bank, May 28, 2010
IDF agrees to pay if suit against officer who commandeered a taxi in the West Bank, tied up the driver and then heedlessly shot a Palestinian, succeeds.
A former IDF officer whose soldiers commandeered a taxi in the West Bank, tied up the driver and then heedlessly shot a Palestinian passerby will not have to pay from his own pocket in any civil suit, the State Prosecutor’s Office has announced.
Yaakov Gigi served a 15-month prison term after a unit under his command seized a taxi in Dahariya, bound the driver and shot a Palestinian passerby without authorization and without reporting to its superiors. In the past the state refused to defend him in a civil suit, leaving him to pay out of his own pocket if the wounded Palestinian were to win a civil suit against him. Now the state has changed its position and will indemnify Gigi.
The incident took place in July 2007. Gigi, at the time a first lieutenant in the Kfir Brigade, received an order to patrol the outskirts of Dahariya. Gigi took the order a step further, and without permission from his commanders decided to undertake an undercover operation. He collected five of his soldiers and went out to a busy road in the city, where they ordered a taxi driver to halt. They tied and blindfolded the driver and put him inside the cab. Gigi then began to drive through town.
At a certain point they approached a brick factory and encountered Badham Samamra, a resident of Dahariya who worked at the plant. Gigi ordered the soldier next to him to chase Samamra away from the area. Samamra then made a gesture the soldier interpreted as threatening, prompting the latter to open fire. The bullet hit Samamra’s left shoulder and wounded him. Eventually the troops abandoned the taxi, with the driver still bound inside.
Gigi later ordered his soldiers to lie during questioning and not to disclose what really happened. During the investigation the officer gave a false account, claiming that one of his soldiers was wounded and that they had to take the taxi in order to rescue him.
In 2009 Samamra filed a suit with the Kiryat Gat Magistrate’s Court, demanding compensation for the damage caused him. Haaretz has learned that there were three reasons for the change in the decision about Gigi’s immunity. First was his poor financial situation. Secondly, he was the one to fire the gun. Lastly, even if commandeering the taxi was wrong, the shooting of the Palestinian is not considered a “private action” that would deem him ineligible for immunity considering that the unit felt it was in danger.
“After the state examined the details of the incident it became clear that the officer was not put on trial for wounding the plaintiff, but due to a number of offenses committed at the time of the injury,” the Tel Aviv Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
IDF agrees to pay if suit against officer who commandeered a taxi in the West Bank, tied up the driver and then heedlessly shot a Palestinian, succeeds.
A former IDF officer whose soldiers commandeered a taxi in the West Bank, tied up the driver and then heedlessly shot a Palestinian passerby will not have to pay from his own pocket in any civil suit, the State Prosecutor’s Office has announced.
Yaakov Gigi served a 15-month prison term after a unit under his command seized a taxi in Dahariya, bound the driver and shot a Palestinian passerby without authorization and without reporting to its superiors. In the past the state refused to defend him in a civil suit, leaving him to pay out of his own pocket if the wounded Palestinian were to win a civil suit against him. Now the state has changed its position and will indemnify Gigi.
The incident took place in July 2007. Gigi, at the time a first lieutenant in the Kfir Brigade, received an order to patrol the outskirts of Dahariya. Gigi took the order a step further, and without permission from his commanders decided to undertake an undercover operation. He collected five of his soldiers and went out to a busy road in the city, where they ordered a taxi driver to halt. They tied and blindfolded the driver and put him inside the cab. Gigi then began to drive through town.
At a certain point they approached a brick factory and encountered Badham Samamra, a resident of Dahariya who worked at the plant. Gigi ordered the soldier next to him to chase Samamra away from the area. Samamra then made a gesture the soldier interpreted as threatening, prompting the latter to open fire. The bullet hit Samamra’s left shoulder and wounded him. Eventually the troops abandoned the taxi, with the driver still bound inside.
Gigi later ordered his soldiers to lie during questioning and not to disclose what really happened. During the investigation the officer gave a false account, claiming that one of his soldiers was wounded and that they had to take the taxi in order to rescue him.
In 2009 Samamra filed a suit with the Kiryat Gat Magistrate’s Court, demanding compensation for the damage caused him. Haaretz has learned that there were three reasons for the change in the decision about Gigi’s immunity. First was his poor financial situation. Secondly, he was the one to fire the gun. Lastly, even if commandeering the taxi was wrong, the shooting of the Palestinian is not considered a “private action” that would deem him ineligible for immunity considering that the unit felt it was in danger.
“After the state examined the details of the incident it became clear that the officer was not put on trial for wounding the plaintiff, but due to a number of offenses committed at the time of the injury,” the Tel Aviv Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
30 june 2013
Sapir Sluzker-amran
Protester says officer directed degrading remark at her and, as her friend tried to photograph him, realized gravity of own actions and resorted to violence
Two women who were arrested Saturday night for protesting outside the home of Finance Minister Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv, where they allegedly attacked police officers, said on Sunday they were the victims of police violence, not the aggressors. Sapir Sluzker-amran claimed in a Facebook post she was accosted by police officer S. who inquired whether she and her friend Carmen Elmakiyes Amos had come to the rally to "get laid."
She said she and her friend tried to inquire after his name and photograph him with their phones, but encountered robust opposition from S. and his fellow officers, who stormed at the women, seized them and arrested them.
Sluzker-amran, who spent the night in a detention cell, added to the Facebook post photos showing bruises allegedly inflicted on her friend by police officers. In spite of the storm the post has provoked on social media, the women have yet to file a complaint with the Justice Ministry department that investigates police misconduct. However, the women's lawyer said such motion is forthcoming. Police maintain the women confronted the police officers and attacked them. Sluzker-amran wrote in her post that "I've never felt such fear and helplessness as when I stood with my friend in a small grove behind Lapid's home.
We went there at the end of the rally to check whether there were any protesters left there when we saw about 10 policemen. A few of them made a few remarks at us and blinded us with a flashlight; when we asked them to stop they just laughed, and then one of them looked at me and asked me whether we are here to get laid. This drew uproarious laughter from his colleagues and he repeated his question in a number of ways. I froze on my feet." Slotzker-Amran claimed that at this point her friend took out her cellular phone and started taking pictures of the officer, asking him to identify himself. "He seized the phone by twisting her arm, and hurled it far away.
She went off to search for the phone and the officer, who apparently realized the gravity of his deeds, chased her and beat her up. I was behind him and entreated him to stop." "He then apparently slipped but blamed his fall on the two of us, and then the entire gang split into two: Some pounced on my friend, who was already lying on the ground, while three or four of the others shouted at me 'wait and see the things we'll do to you.' I stopped in my tracks and then three policemen pinned my head to the ground and touched my private parts – apparently as part of the procedure of arrest – and twisted my arms."
Police responded in a statement saying "the policemen conducted themselves with restraint during the protest. Only when one protester put a phone into the face of an officer, and another attacked him, the two were detained. The two were questioned overnight and released. We recognize no other claim regarding the events. In any event, they can appeal with the Internal Affairs Division. The Saturday rally outside Lapid's residence saw some 80 people gather to protest the austerity budget, including tax hikes and cuts to social services, put forth and implemented by the finance minister.
Protester says officer directed degrading remark at her and, as her friend tried to photograph him, realized gravity of own actions and resorted to violence
Two women who were arrested Saturday night for protesting outside the home of Finance Minister Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv, where they allegedly attacked police officers, said on Sunday they were the victims of police violence, not the aggressors. Sapir Sluzker-amran claimed in a Facebook post she was accosted by police officer S. who inquired whether she and her friend Carmen Elmakiyes Amos had come to the rally to "get laid."
She said she and her friend tried to inquire after his name and photograph him with their phones, but encountered robust opposition from S. and his fellow officers, who stormed at the women, seized them and arrested them.
Sluzker-amran, who spent the night in a detention cell, added to the Facebook post photos showing bruises allegedly inflicted on her friend by police officers. In spite of the storm the post has provoked on social media, the women have yet to file a complaint with the Justice Ministry department that investigates police misconduct. However, the women's lawyer said such motion is forthcoming. Police maintain the women confronted the police officers and attacked them. Sluzker-amran wrote in her post that "I've never felt such fear and helplessness as when I stood with my friend in a small grove behind Lapid's home.
We went there at the end of the rally to check whether there were any protesters left there when we saw about 10 policemen. A few of them made a few remarks at us and blinded us with a flashlight; when we asked them to stop they just laughed, and then one of them looked at me and asked me whether we are here to get laid. This drew uproarious laughter from his colleagues and he repeated his question in a number of ways. I froze on my feet." Slotzker-Amran claimed that at this point her friend took out her cellular phone and started taking pictures of the officer, asking him to identify himself. "He seized the phone by twisting her arm, and hurled it far away.
She went off to search for the phone and the officer, who apparently realized the gravity of his deeds, chased her and beat her up. I was behind him and entreated him to stop." "He then apparently slipped but blamed his fall on the two of us, and then the entire gang split into two: Some pounced on my friend, who was already lying on the ground, while three or four of the others shouted at me 'wait and see the things we'll do to you.' I stopped in my tracks and then three policemen pinned my head to the ground and touched my private parts – apparently as part of the procedure of arrest – and twisted my arms."
Police responded in a statement saying "the policemen conducted themselves with restraint during the protest. Only when one protester put a phone into the face of an officer, and another attacked him, the two were detained. The two were questioned overnight and released. We recognize no other claim regarding the events. In any event, they can appeal with the Internal Affairs Division. The Saturday rally outside Lapid's residence saw some 80 people gather to protest the austerity budget, including tax hikes and cuts to social services, put forth and implemented by the finance minister.
Dorit: 'The fear was paralyzing'
Lawyer who claims brother of Barnoar shooting suspect raped her speaks for first time, denying claims of opportunism, pointing finger at media, legal system: 'If a male lawyer get violently beaten then the system stands behind him'
"I kept saying 'stop it, stop it.' I begged him to stop but he wouldn't, I was terrified for my life." Dorit (alias), a criminal defense lawyer, who claims that Yaakov Felician – the brother of Hagai Felician, the main suspect in the Barnoar shooting – raped her two weeks ago speaks to Ynet for an exclusive interview. "He used force, I have bruises all over my body. No sexual contact was consensual, he just brutally raped me," she said.
During a hearing held in a bid to extend Yaakov Felician's remand, it was revealed that the incident allegedly took place when Dorit arrived at Felician's work place, where he is currently under house arrest, in an attempt to secure the job of representing him in the Barnoar case. Felician's lawyers claim that it was she who initiated the meetings and that the decision to press charges came about only after she lost the case to another lawyer.
In an interview to Ynet, Dorit attempts to dispel any such argument, claiming their relations were strictly professional and that Felician had tricked her by inviting her to his place under the guise of working on the case.
I was shaking all over
"I went to meet him while he was under house arrest, this is neither the first nor last time a defense lawyer visits a client or potential client who is under house arrest."
Two such meetings took place, and according to her, after the second time, Felician called her and said "lets do business." But when she arrived he overtook her. Afterwards, Felician let her go. "I entered my car shaking, understanding I had just survived a rape. I just fell apart and began screaming and crying. I was shaking all over." According to her, it was clear to her that she needed medical attention, however, at the time, she says she was too frightened to lodge a police complaint. "The fear was paralyzing."
En route to the hospital, immediately after the horrific incident, she recalls deciding not to file a complaint: "I knew that if someone in my family or one of my friends would know they would file a complaint in my name. They can't understand the fear. So I didn't call anyone." After arriving at the hospital she informed the medical staff of her situation. They in turn alerted the police and immediately administered a rape kit, the results of which she hopes will shoot down Felician's lawyers' attempt to disqualify her claims.
Afterwards, the police officer suggested she launch an initial, anonymous complaint and after meeting a social worker – which Dorit described as amazing – she agreed. "I was still very frightened, they are a criminal family," she said, adding the police officer agreed with her that the situation was indeed dangerous.
In Felicians's defense, his lawyers claim that three hours after the alleged rape Dorit supposedly sent their client a text message, at the time she claims she was undergoing a rape kit, thus supposedly disproving her claim.
"It is a shame the media eats up such dribble," Dorit said, further pointing a blaming finger at the legal system which she claims leaked the story and her details. 'If a male lawyer gets violently beaten then the system stands behind him, but a female criminal defense lawyer gets raped then she has to suffer a lynch."
Lawyer who claims brother of Barnoar shooting suspect raped her speaks for first time, denying claims of opportunism, pointing finger at media, legal system: 'If a male lawyer get violently beaten then the system stands behind him'
"I kept saying 'stop it, stop it.' I begged him to stop but he wouldn't, I was terrified for my life." Dorit (alias), a criminal defense lawyer, who claims that Yaakov Felician – the brother of Hagai Felician, the main suspect in the Barnoar shooting – raped her two weeks ago speaks to Ynet for an exclusive interview. "He used force, I have bruises all over my body. No sexual contact was consensual, he just brutally raped me," she said.
During a hearing held in a bid to extend Yaakov Felician's remand, it was revealed that the incident allegedly took place when Dorit arrived at Felician's work place, where he is currently under house arrest, in an attempt to secure the job of representing him in the Barnoar case. Felician's lawyers claim that it was she who initiated the meetings and that the decision to press charges came about only after she lost the case to another lawyer.
In an interview to Ynet, Dorit attempts to dispel any such argument, claiming their relations were strictly professional and that Felician had tricked her by inviting her to his place under the guise of working on the case.
I was shaking all over
"I went to meet him while he was under house arrest, this is neither the first nor last time a defense lawyer visits a client or potential client who is under house arrest."
Two such meetings took place, and according to her, after the second time, Felician called her and said "lets do business." But when she arrived he overtook her. Afterwards, Felician let her go. "I entered my car shaking, understanding I had just survived a rape. I just fell apart and began screaming and crying. I was shaking all over." According to her, it was clear to her that she needed medical attention, however, at the time, she says she was too frightened to lodge a police complaint. "The fear was paralyzing."
En route to the hospital, immediately after the horrific incident, she recalls deciding not to file a complaint: "I knew that if someone in my family or one of my friends would know they would file a complaint in my name. They can't understand the fear. So I didn't call anyone." After arriving at the hospital she informed the medical staff of her situation. They in turn alerted the police and immediately administered a rape kit, the results of which she hopes will shoot down Felician's lawyers' attempt to disqualify her claims.
Afterwards, the police officer suggested she launch an initial, anonymous complaint and after meeting a social worker – which Dorit described as amazing – she agreed. "I was still very frightened, they are a criminal family," she said, adding the police officer agreed with her that the situation was indeed dangerous.
In Felicians's defense, his lawyers claim that three hours after the alleged rape Dorit supposedly sent their client a text message, at the time she claims she was undergoing a rape kit, thus supposedly disproving her claim.
"It is a shame the media eats up such dribble," Dorit said, further pointing a blaming finger at the legal system which she claims leaked the story and her details. 'If a male lawyer gets violently beaten then the system stands behind him, but a female criminal defense lawyer gets raped then she has to suffer a lynch."
27 june 2013
Police: Victim of Petah Tikva shooting convicted of manslaughter
Eli Orkabi, 35, one of the two men who were killed Thursday in Petah Tikva, was convicted in 2000 for killing Alon Michaeli, 29, following an argument over a chair at the beach. The second victim is Eran Partouch, 42, from Petah Tikva. A third man sustained injuries in the incident. No suspects were thus far arrested.
Eli Orkabi, 35, one of the two men who were killed Thursday in Petah Tikva, was convicted in 2000 for killing Alon Michaeli, 29, following an argument over a chair at the beach. The second victim is Eran Partouch, 42, from Petah Tikva. A third man sustained injuries in the incident. No suspects were thus far arrested.
Police arrest Raanaa resident, 39, and Holon resident on suspicion they raped American tourist in market store
A Raanana man aged 39 and a Holon resident aged 44 were arrested Thursday on suspicion they raped and performed an indecent act on a 25-year-old American tourist at the Jaffa flea market this week. A police investigation suggests that the tourist arrived at the flee market on Tuesday and went into one of the stores. The vendor showed her into a backroom where he raped her under threats. He later took her to a nearby store where he sexually assaulted her with another vendor.
The two men will be brought for a remand hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court later on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Tel Aviv District Court sentenced 21-year-old Palestinian Ahmed Bani Jaber to 30 years in prison after he was convicted three months ago of raping a teenage girl at a parking garage in the city's Gan Ha'ir shopping mall last year.
As part of a plea agreement, Bani Jaber pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sodomy. The assault on a teenage couple took place in the Gan Ha'ir parking garage's restroom over several hours.
Earlier this week, two men in their twenties were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the rape of two 17-year-old girls in Tel Aviv last week. The girls were found unconscious and one of them told the police she was raped at a club on Allenby street.
One of the suspect is the club's owner. A third man later turned himself in but said that the sex was consensual. "There are security cameras that show there was no resistance," he said.
Related stories:
A Raanana man aged 39 and a Holon resident aged 44 were arrested Thursday on suspicion they raped and performed an indecent act on a 25-year-old American tourist at the Jaffa flea market this week. A police investigation suggests that the tourist arrived at the flee market on Tuesday and went into one of the stores. The vendor showed her into a backroom where he raped her under threats. He later took her to a nearby store where he sexually assaulted her with another vendor.
The two men will be brought for a remand hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court later on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Tel Aviv District Court sentenced 21-year-old Palestinian Ahmed Bani Jaber to 30 years in prison after he was convicted three months ago of raping a teenage girl at a parking garage in the city's Gan Ha'ir shopping mall last year.
As part of a plea agreement, Bani Jaber pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sodomy. The assault on a teenage couple took place in the Gan Ha'ir parking garage's restroom over several hours.
Earlier this week, two men in their twenties were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the rape of two 17-year-old girls in Tel Aviv last week. The girls were found unconscious and one of them told the police she was raped at a club on Allenby street.
One of the suspect is the club's owner. A third man later turned himself in but said that the sex was consensual. "There are security cameras that show there was no resistance," he said.
Related stories:
26 june 2013
Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas movement spokesman, considered that the ruling of a French court invalidating claims by right wing Zionists about the videotape documenting martyrdom of Palestinian child Mohammed al-Dura, reveals an Israeli attempt to falsify the facts. A report by the Israeli government had questioned the videotape which confirms that Mohammed al-Dura was killed 11 years ago in the arms of his father by the Israeli soldiers' gunfire.
However, the French judiciary confirmed that the tape has documented the truth.
Barhoum said in a press statement that the French court's decision reveals that the occupation has tried to falsify the facts, in order to cover up the crimes of its leaders against the Palestinian people.
Hamas spokesman called for prosecuting the occupation for its crimes in the national and international courts and for supporting the Palestinian people and punishing the Israeli criminals, as he said.
However, the French judiciary confirmed that the tape has documented the truth.
Barhoum said in a press statement that the French court's decision reveals that the occupation has tried to falsify the facts, in order to cover up the crimes of its leaders against the Palestinian people.
Hamas spokesman called for prosecuting the occupation for its crimes in the national and international courts and for supporting the Palestinian people and punishing the Israeli criminals, as he said.
25 june 2013
Ethiopian soldiers in the Israeli military
Percentage of soldiers from Ethiopian community who are in military prison, absent without leave or have deserted is five times that of the general population, Haaretz reported.
About 37 percent of Ethiopian-Israeli men have been thrown in jail at least once during the course of their military service, according to figures through February 2013.
This is lower than the overall figure through 2011, when 48 percent of male Ethiopian-Israelis were jailed during their military service.
One out of four Ethiopian-Israeli men has been to military jail more than once, according to the 2013 figures.
“Granted, there’s some movement in the numbers, but it isn’t satisfactory,” said Lt. Col. (res.) Issachar Makonin, who is active in the Ethiopian community and gives volunteer lectures at Israel Defense Forces jails for soldiers from this community.
Among their female counterparts, however, the rate of imprisonment has risen. In February 2013 the total number of Ethiopian-Israeli women jailed during their military service stood at 14 percent, compared to 9.4 percent in 2011.
About 2.5 times more men than women from Israel’s Ethiopian community serve in the IDF.
Together, about 30 percent have been imprisoned by the IDF at least once.
The proportion of Ethiopian-Israelis who have been thrown in military jail, or who have failed to report for service or defected is five times higher than among other IDF recruits.
These figures were presented to Knesset members and other public figures during a meeting last week of the State Control Committee.
But specific data about the number of Ethiopian-Israeli men and women who have been jailed during their military service was nor presented, not was information about the overall imprisonment rate among the recruits.
Makonin said community members and activists should step up their own efforts to address this problem. Improvement doesn’t depend on money or resources, he said, but on better cooperation between government agencies and the community itself.
“Over the last two years, there’s been a much greater explanatory effort in the prisons than there was in the past, so that those who are already there won’t come back again,” he said.
“But it’s still far from what should be done. There’s no reason for the numbers to be so much higher than the average for the general population.”
Percentage of soldiers from Ethiopian community who are in military prison, absent without leave or have deserted is five times that of the general population, Haaretz reported.
About 37 percent of Ethiopian-Israeli men have been thrown in jail at least once during the course of their military service, according to figures through February 2013.
This is lower than the overall figure through 2011, when 48 percent of male Ethiopian-Israelis were jailed during their military service.
One out of four Ethiopian-Israeli men has been to military jail more than once, according to the 2013 figures.
“Granted, there’s some movement in the numbers, but it isn’t satisfactory,” said Lt. Col. (res.) Issachar Makonin, who is active in the Ethiopian community and gives volunteer lectures at Israel Defense Forces jails for soldiers from this community.
Among their female counterparts, however, the rate of imprisonment has risen. In February 2013 the total number of Ethiopian-Israeli women jailed during their military service stood at 14 percent, compared to 9.4 percent in 2011.
About 2.5 times more men than women from Israel’s Ethiopian community serve in the IDF.
Together, about 30 percent have been imprisoned by the IDF at least once.
The proportion of Ethiopian-Israelis who have been thrown in military jail, or who have failed to report for service or defected is five times higher than among other IDF recruits.
These figures were presented to Knesset members and other public figures during a meeting last week of the State Control Committee.
But specific data about the number of Ethiopian-Israeli men and women who have been jailed during their military service was nor presented, not was information about the overall imprisonment rate among the recruits.
Makonin said community members and activists should step up their own efforts to address this problem. Improvement doesn’t depend on money or resources, he said, but on better cooperation between government agencies and the community itself.
“Over the last two years, there’s been a much greater explanatory effort in the prisons than there was in the past, so that those who are already there won’t come back again,” he said.
“But it’s still far from what should be done. There’s no reason for the numbers to be so much higher than the average for the general population.”
22 june 2013
Arab Knesset member Mohamed Baraka said that the killing of a Jewish settler suspected as an Arab man by an Israeli policeman on Friday reflected that there are racist orders given to Israeli policemen and soldiers to kill Arabs easily and arbitrarily. Baraka stated that the Israeli claim that the Jewish victim was shouting "Allahu Akbar" in order to justify his killing vindicated that such expression is an enough reason for the Israeli security and military units to kill a Palestinian Arab.
He demanded the Israeli occupation authority and its security and military institutions to stop what he described as the slow massacre that targets the Palestinian Arabs, especially that the Jewish settlers encourage the opening of gunfire at the Palestinian natives in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
An Israeli policeman shot dead a Jewish settler on Friday morning at the Aqsa Mosque's western wall (Al-Buraq wall) mistaking him for a Palestinian Arab, according to the police account.
"There was a Jewish guy, an Israeli guy, who was in the bathroom area," the police added
The police claimed that the Jewish man, 46, shouted for some reason 'Allahu Akbar' when a policeman spotted him and fired several fatal shots at him.
The killer policeman told investigators that he thought the man was pulling something from his pocket as he shouted and was about to attack him.
He demanded the Israeli occupation authority and its security and military institutions to stop what he described as the slow massacre that targets the Palestinian Arabs, especially that the Jewish settlers encourage the opening of gunfire at the Palestinian natives in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
An Israeli policeman shot dead a Jewish settler on Friday morning at the Aqsa Mosque's western wall (Al-Buraq wall) mistaking him for a Palestinian Arab, according to the police account.
"There was a Jewish guy, an Israeli guy, who was in the bathroom area," the police added
The police claimed that the Jewish man, 46, shouted for some reason 'Allahu Akbar' when a policeman spotted him and fired several fatal shots at him.
The killer policeman told investigators that he thought the man was pulling something from his pocket as he shouted and was about to attack him.
21 june 2013
An Israeli security guard shot dead a Jewish visitor at Jerusalem's Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, on Friday, apparently mistaking him for a Palestinian militant.
"There was a Jewish guy, an Israeli guy, who was in the bathroom area," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"He for some reason shouted 'Allahu Akbar'," Rosenfeld said. "A security guard drew his weapon and fired several shots at the suspect... He died from his wounds a few moments ago."
The shooting took place shortly before 8 a.m. as the plaza in front of the Wall filled with worshipers for morning prayers ahead of the start of the Jewish Sabbath at sundown.
The site was closed to the public for at least an hour afterwards.
Paramedic Zeevi Hessed told news website NRG that his team rushed to the scene as reports of a shooting came in.
"When we reached the place, we saw him lying at the Western Wall plaza," he said. "He had been shot in several parts of his body... Sadly there was nothing we could do but declare him dead."
Rosenfeld said that an investigation had been opened into the shooting.
Public radio quoted the private security guard as telling police investigators that he thought the man, 46, was pulling something from his pocket as he shouted, and was about to attack him.
It said that police found nothing suspicious on the man's person.
Privately-owned Channel 10 TV said the dead man was believed to be mentally disturbed.
It cited witnesses as saying that the guard fired between seven and 10 bullets and that the fire was unjustified and that the man appeared to be a harmless eccentric.
Rosenfeld said the circumstances were still unclear.
"We're looking into the background: why the security officer opened fire and what the motives were of the guy, the 46-year-old -- it's very strange behavior."
The Western Wall is venerated by Jews as the last remnant of the wall supporting the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Above it is the compound housing the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, the compound is a deeply sensitive location where clashes frequently break out between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces.
Jews are not allowed to pray inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
"There was a Jewish guy, an Israeli guy, who was in the bathroom area," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"He for some reason shouted 'Allahu Akbar'," Rosenfeld said. "A security guard drew his weapon and fired several shots at the suspect... He died from his wounds a few moments ago."
The shooting took place shortly before 8 a.m. as the plaza in front of the Wall filled with worshipers for morning prayers ahead of the start of the Jewish Sabbath at sundown.
The site was closed to the public for at least an hour afterwards.
Paramedic Zeevi Hessed told news website NRG that his team rushed to the scene as reports of a shooting came in.
"When we reached the place, we saw him lying at the Western Wall plaza," he said. "He had been shot in several parts of his body... Sadly there was nothing we could do but declare him dead."
Rosenfeld said that an investigation had been opened into the shooting.
Public radio quoted the private security guard as telling police investigators that he thought the man, 46, was pulling something from his pocket as he shouted, and was about to attack him.
It said that police found nothing suspicious on the man's person.
Privately-owned Channel 10 TV said the dead man was believed to be mentally disturbed.
It cited witnesses as saying that the guard fired between seven and 10 bullets and that the fire was unjustified and that the man appeared to be a harmless eccentric.
Rosenfeld said the circumstances were still unclear.
"We're looking into the background: why the security officer opened fire and what the motives were of the guy, the 46-year-old -- it's very strange behavior."
The Western Wall is venerated by Jews as the last remnant of the wall supporting the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Above it is the compound housing the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, the compound is a deeply sensitive location where clashes frequently break out between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces.
Jews are not allowed to pray inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
Israel's chief Ashkenazi rabbi has been put under house arrest after a marathon grilling by detectives on suspicion of bribery, theft and breach of trust, police said on Friday.
"Rabbi Yona Metzger has been placed under house arrest for the next five days after he was questioned for more than 10 hours by the national fraud unit yesterday," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"If necessary, he will be questioned again."
Metzger has been the subject of months of covert investigations involving three other suspects, according to police.
Officers questioned him on suspicion of "receiving bribes, theft, breach of trust and money laundering," a police statement said.
Israel has two chief rabbis, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi, whose responsibilities include the country's rabbinical courts and regulating the food supervision industry.
The posts are coming up for reelection next month and there is hot dispute in the religious world over Metzger's successor.
In 2005 he was questioned on suspicion of receiving perks from a hotel in Jerusalem in return for favors, and police recommended that he be tried for fraud and breach of trust.
But then-attorney general Menachem Mazuz, fearing an unsuccessful prosecution, decided in 2006 against indictment.
Instead he wrote a scathing report about the rabbi, accusing Metzger of lying to police and recommending that he resign immediately.
Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar had a brush with police in 2005 when he was questioned over the assault by his son of a 17-year-old youth who was secretly dating his daughter.
Amar was not charged over allegations he was aware of the incident, but his son was convicted and jailed.
"Rabbi Yona Metzger has been placed under house arrest for the next five days after he was questioned for more than 10 hours by the national fraud unit yesterday," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
"If necessary, he will be questioned again."
Metzger has been the subject of months of covert investigations involving three other suspects, according to police.
Officers questioned him on suspicion of "receiving bribes, theft, breach of trust and money laundering," a police statement said.
Israel has two chief rabbis, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi, whose responsibilities include the country's rabbinical courts and regulating the food supervision industry.
The posts are coming up for reelection next month and there is hot dispute in the religious world over Metzger's successor.
In 2005 he was questioned on suspicion of receiving perks from a hotel in Jerusalem in return for favors, and police recommended that he be tried for fraud and breach of trust.
But then-attorney general Menachem Mazuz, fearing an unsuccessful prosecution, decided in 2006 against indictment.
Instead he wrote a scathing report about the rabbi, accusing Metzger of lying to police and recommending that he resign immediately.
Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar had a brush with police in 2005 when he was questioned over the assault by his son of a 17-year-old youth who was secretly dating his daughter.
Amar was not charged over allegations he was aware of the incident, but his son was convicted and jailed.
20 june 2013
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger
Israel's fraud squad on Thursday questioned Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger on suspicion of bribery, theft, breach of trust and money laundering, a police statement said.
Metzger's questioning at the national fraud unit headquarters in Lod, south of Tel Aviv, comes after months of covert investigations involving three other suspects, according to police.
On Thursday, police "searched the homes and offices of the suspects, including those of Rabbi Metzger," the statement said. "Documents, computers and other materials were seized."
Officers questioned Metzger on suspicion of "receiving bribes, theft, breach of trust and money laundering," the statement read, adding the three other suspects would appear before a magistrates' court near Tel Aviv later Thursday.
Israel has two chief rabbis, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi, whose responsibilities include the country's rabbinic courts and regulating the food supervision industry.
Metzger was voted into the prestigious position in 2003 thanks to the support of the senior ultra-Orthodox rabbinic authority at the time.
In 2005 he was questioned on suspicion of receiving benefits from a hotel in Jerusalem in return for favours, and police recommended that he be tried for fraud and breach of trust.
But then-attorney general Menachem Mazuz, fearing an unsuccessful prosecution, in 2006 decided against serving an indictment.
Instead he wrote a scathing report about the rabbi, accusing Metzger of lying to police and recommending that he resign immediately.
Metzger's term is due to end shortly, with elections for new chief rabbis due no later than July 24.
Israel's fraud squad on Thursday questioned Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger on suspicion of bribery, theft, breach of trust and money laundering, a police statement said.
Metzger's questioning at the national fraud unit headquarters in Lod, south of Tel Aviv, comes after months of covert investigations involving three other suspects, according to police.
On Thursday, police "searched the homes and offices of the suspects, including those of Rabbi Metzger," the statement said. "Documents, computers and other materials were seized."
Officers questioned Metzger on suspicion of "receiving bribes, theft, breach of trust and money laundering," the statement read, adding the three other suspects would appear before a magistrates' court near Tel Aviv later Thursday.
Israel has two chief rabbis, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi, whose responsibilities include the country's rabbinic courts and regulating the food supervision industry.
Metzger was voted into the prestigious position in 2003 thanks to the support of the senior ultra-Orthodox rabbinic authority at the time.
In 2005 he was questioned on suspicion of receiving benefits from a hotel in Jerusalem in return for favours, and police recommended that he be tried for fraud and breach of trust.
But then-attorney general Menachem Mazuz, fearing an unsuccessful prosecution, in 2006 decided against serving an indictment.
Instead he wrote a scathing report about the rabbi, accusing Metzger of lying to police and recommending that he resign immediately.
Metzger's term is due to end shortly, with elections for new chief rabbis due no later than July 24.
Indictment: Rosh Ha'ayin man ran over his infant son
An indictment has been filed against a 41-year-old resident of Rosh Ha'ayin, charging him with negligence in the death of his infant son.
According to the indictment, the man ran his son over with a car by accident and killed him.
An indictment has been filed against a 41-year-old resident of Rosh Ha'ayin, charging him with negligence in the death of his infant son.
According to the indictment, the man ran his son over with a car by accident and killed him.
19 june 2013
Operations officer Eran Kabalo sentenced to 13 years in jail for selling dozens of kilograms of narcotics which he obtained through the Egyptian border
The South District Military Court on Wednesday sentenced operations officer Eran Kabalo to 13 years in jail for drug trafficking. Kabalo admitted to attempts to sell dozens of kilograms of narcotics which he obtained through the Egyptian border for NIS 1.7 million ($470,000). Until his arrest he gained some NIS 340,000 in the operation. He was also sentenced to three years on probation, and once his jail-time is over, he will be dismissed from the IDF and stripped from his ranks.
Rejecting Kabalo's plea for clemency, Judge Noa Zomech said "The seriosness of the offenses beggars belief. This is not a one time lapse in judgment, but four different incidents."
"The amount of drugs smuggled into Israel is a matter for worry," Zomech said, adding "Kabalo forfeited his position of being the final frontier against transfer of drugs into the country. Had he not been caught, this amount of narcotics would deal a heavy blow to Israeli citizens."
She pointed out that the fact that Kabalo was an IDF officer impelled her to take a hard line regarding his penalty. However, many of his fellow officers have commended his character and bravery in combat.
Kabalo's attorney said he believed his client's sentence would be reduced. "Major Kabalo put himself on the line fighting terrorists throughout his military service. I believe history will judge him in a completely different way than today's verdict," he said.
Related stories:
The South District Military Court on Wednesday sentenced operations officer Eran Kabalo to 13 years in jail for drug trafficking. Kabalo admitted to attempts to sell dozens of kilograms of narcotics which he obtained through the Egyptian border for NIS 1.7 million ($470,000). Until his arrest he gained some NIS 340,000 in the operation. He was also sentenced to three years on probation, and once his jail-time is over, he will be dismissed from the IDF and stripped from his ranks.
Rejecting Kabalo's plea for clemency, Judge Noa Zomech said "The seriosness of the offenses beggars belief. This is not a one time lapse in judgment, but four different incidents."
"The amount of drugs smuggled into Israel is a matter for worry," Zomech said, adding "Kabalo forfeited his position of being the final frontier against transfer of drugs into the country. Had he not been caught, this amount of narcotics would deal a heavy blow to Israeli citizens."
She pointed out that the fact that Kabalo was an IDF officer impelled her to take a hard line regarding his penalty. However, many of his fellow officers have commended his character and bravery in combat.
Kabalo's attorney said he believed his client's sentence would be reduced. "Major Kabalo put himself on the line fighting terrorists throughout his military service. I believe history will judge him in a completely different way than today's verdict," he said.
Related stories:
18 june 2013
Barhoush and his son at the hospital
2 settlers arrested in connection to beating of Hassan Barhoush, West Bank shepherd who sustained serious injuries after being beaten by masked assailants last March
Two young men, 18 and 19, were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attacking and causing severe injuries to Hassan Barhoush, an 80-year-old Palestinian shepherd. One of the suspects, Israel Naki, was remanded by three days, and the second suspect will face a remand hearing Wednesday at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court. Both suspects deny the allegations.
Barhoush, from Kafr al-Labad in the West Bank, was severely beaten by two masked men while herding his sheep at the end of March. The men hit him with sticks and fled the scene.
Both of Barhoush's hands were broken in the attack, and he was left bleeding and unconscious on the ground. Only later was he found by family members and evacuated to the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where he underwent a long rehabilitation process.
Last week, the police received a tip that led to the arrest of Israel Naki. The second suspect was arrested the following day. According to police, the act was nationalistically motivated. A source involved in the investigation said that "though the road is long, the investigation is going well." The source added that he believed police could retrieve evidence tying the suspects to the incident.
According to the committee of the Avnei Hefetz settlement, the suspects are not residents of the settlement, but were rather "staying here for reason that could not be specified. The residents of Avnei Hefetz have clearly condemned the violent act in question." The statement added that the settlement committee chairwoman Tikva Jan visited the victim in the hospital. "If it turns out that the suspect were indeed behind this, we intend to demand police bar them from the settlement."
2 settlers arrested in connection to beating of Hassan Barhoush, West Bank shepherd who sustained serious injuries after being beaten by masked assailants last March
Two young men, 18 and 19, were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attacking and causing severe injuries to Hassan Barhoush, an 80-year-old Palestinian shepherd. One of the suspects, Israel Naki, was remanded by three days, and the second suspect will face a remand hearing Wednesday at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court. Both suspects deny the allegations.
Barhoush, from Kafr al-Labad in the West Bank, was severely beaten by two masked men while herding his sheep at the end of March. The men hit him with sticks and fled the scene.
Both of Barhoush's hands were broken in the attack, and he was left bleeding and unconscious on the ground. Only later was he found by family members and evacuated to the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where he underwent a long rehabilitation process.
Last week, the police received a tip that led to the arrest of Israel Naki. The second suspect was arrested the following day. According to police, the act was nationalistically motivated. A source involved in the investigation said that "though the road is long, the investigation is going well." The source added that he believed police could retrieve evidence tying the suspects to the incident.
According to the committee of the Avnei Hefetz settlement, the suspects are not residents of the settlement, but were rather "staying here for reason that could not be specified. The residents of Avnei Hefetz have clearly condemned the violent act in question." The statement added that the settlement committee chairwoman Tikva Jan visited the victim in the hospital. "If it turns out that the suspect were indeed behind this, we intend to demand police bar them from the settlement."
'Arabs out'
From north to south, from Jaffa to Jerusalem, more places in Israel become scene for nationalistically motivated hate crimes of vandalism, destruction. 'Price tag' data released only days before cabinet decides not to deem such attacks as terror, despite recommendations
18 months, 788 cases, 276 arrests, 154 indictments: These are the stats behind what police call 'suspected price tag' attacks. While politicians and legal experts attempt to define what exactly constitutes a 'price tag' attack and whether it can, or should, be labeled an act of terror, another such incident takes place, this time in the Arab village of Abu Ghosh.
The latest incident, which took place Tuesday morning, and involved slashed car tires and graffiti reading "Arabs out," was followed by the usual string of police decrials. However, data reveal that these detractions do not necessarily result in the apprehension of the vandals behind them, nor their being brought to justice.
In the meantime, from a bird's eye view perspective, it seems Israel has become a stage for nationalistically motivated hate crimes of vandalism, destruction and incitement – almost a "religious war" as some politicians have called it.
According to data presented by police earlier this week in the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee, during 2012, 623 cases related to such attacks were opened, 200 arrests were made and 123 indictments were filed. As of June, 2013 saw 165 cases opened, 76 suspects arrested and 31 indictments filed.
In geographical terms, 'price tag' attacks were reported in a wide array of areas, from the Gilo neighborhood in Jerusalem, to Deir Istiya in the West Bank and even in the peace oriented community of Nave Shalom (literally Oasis of Peace), to name a few; mosques were reportedly torched near Ramallah, Hebron and Latrun; and hatful graffiti was reported in Jaffa as well as Safed and Afula in the north.
Police representatives stressed that such incidents are considered 'nationalistic crimes' and, according to them, top the law enforcement body's priorities. However, in spite of recommendations made by the attorney general, the justice and internal security ministers, and even the Shin Bet, the governmental cabinet has decided not to deem 'price tag' attacks as acts of terror, rather opting to enhance the defense minister's ability to curb such attacks by deeming their organizers as illegal associations. Despite falling short of the recommendations, the move does significantly extend the defense establishment's legal toolbox for combating these types of attacks and the individuals and organization which stand behind them.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon will now be able to use his emergency hour authorities to extend the remand of those suspected of such hate crimes, as well as increasing the severity of their punishment. It additionally allows the minister to detain suspects without meeting a lawyer and foreclose bank accounts and private property belonging to them. 'Arabs out' "The children were scared to death; they don’t understand what happened and why there is so much police here," one of the local residents said after the tires of 28 cars in the Arab village of Abu Ghosh near Jerusalem were slashed early Tuesday morning. Graffiti reading "racism or assimilation" and "Arabs out" was sprayed on nearby walls. One of cars belongs to former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident and said that "What happened stands in staunch opposition to the Torah's mitzvoth, as well as the values of our society, state and people." "Just this week we took a decision which allows us to better combat those perpetrating these crimes and we intend to do so with the fullest strength," the prime minister said refrencing the aforementioned cabinet decision. Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich also denounced the acts perpetrated in Abu Ghosh, saying "'price tag' attacks are terror acts for all intents and purposes. This phenomenon might bring about a serious deterioration in Jerusalem and the West Bank."
He added he was the sole member of the security cabinet to support the initiative to define "price tag" attacks as terror acts.
Economy Minister and Habayit Hayehudi chairman Naftali Bennett also commented on the matter on his Facebook page. "'Price tag' is immoral and un-Jewish. There is a small group of ill-seekers that want to destroy any chance of good neighborly relations between Arabs and Jews in our country. "This group provides our enemies with means to degrade us. We will not let them win. I call on the security forces to act forcefully against this despicable phenomenon."
From north to south, from Jaffa to Jerusalem, more places in Israel become scene for nationalistically motivated hate crimes of vandalism, destruction. 'Price tag' data released only days before cabinet decides not to deem such attacks as terror, despite recommendations
18 months, 788 cases, 276 arrests, 154 indictments: These are the stats behind what police call 'suspected price tag' attacks. While politicians and legal experts attempt to define what exactly constitutes a 'price tag' attack and whether it can, or should, be labeled an act of terror, another such incident takes place, this time in the Arab village of Abu Ghosh.
The latest incident, which took place Tuesday morning, and involved slashed car tires and graffiti reading "Arabs out," was followed by the usual string of police decrials. However, data reveal that these detractions do not necessarily result in the apprehension of the vandals behind them, nor their being brought to justice.
In the meantime, from a bird's eye view perspective, it seems Israel has become a stage for nationalistically motivated hate crimes of vandalism, destruction and incitement – almost a "religious war" as some politicians have called it.
According to data presented by police earlier this week in the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee, during 2012, 623 cases related to such attacks were opened, 200 arrests were made and 123 indictments were filed. As of June, 2013 saw 165 cases opened, 76 suspects arrested and 31 indictments filed.
In geographical terms, 'price tag' attacks were reported in a wide array of areas, from the Gilo neighborhood in Jerusalem, to Deir Istiya in the West Bank and even in the peace oriented community of Nave Shalom (literally Oasis of Peace), to name a few; mosques were reportedly torched near Ramallah, Hebron and Latrun; and hatful graffiti was reported in Jaffa as well as Safed and Afula in the north.
Police representatives stressed that such incidents are considered 'nationalistic crimes' and, according to them, top the law enforcement body's priorities. However, in spite of recommendations made by the attorney general, the justice and internal security ministers, and even the Shin Bet, the governmental cabinet has decided not to deem 'price tag' attacks as acts of terror, rather opting to enhance the defense minister's ability to curb such attacks by deeming their organizers as illegal associations. Despite falling short of the recommendations, the move does significantly extend the defense establishment's legal toolbox for combating these types of attacks and the individuals and organization which stand behind them.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon will now be able to use his emergency hour authorities to extend the remand of those suspected of such hate crimes, as well as increasing the severity of their punishment. It additionally allows the minister to detain suspects without meeting a lawyer and foreclose bank accounts and private property belonging to them. 'Arabs out' "The children were scared to death; they don’t understand what happened and why there is so much police here," one of the local residents said after the tires of 28 cars in the Arab village of Abu Ghosh near Jerusalem were slashed early Tuesday morning. Graffiti reading "racism or assimilation" and "Arabs out" was sprayed on nearby walls. One of cars belongs to former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident and said that "What happened stands in staunch opposition to the Torah's mitzvoth, as well as the values of our society, state and people." "Just this week we took a decision which allows us to better combat those perpetrating these crimes and we intend to do so with the fullest strength," the prime minister said refrencing the aforementioned cabinet decision. Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich also denounced the acts perpetrated in Abu Ghosh, saying "'price tag' attacks are terror acts for all intents and purposes. This phenomenon might bring about a serious deterioration in Jerusalem and the West Bank."
He added he was the sole member of the security cabinet to support the initiative to define "price tag" attacks as terror acts.
Economy Minister and Habayit Hayehudi chairman Naftali Bennett also commented on the matter on his Facebook page. "'Price tag' is immoral and un-Jewish. There is a small group of ill-seekers that want to destroy any chance of good neighborly relations between Arabs and Jews in our country. "This group provides our enemies with means to degrade us. We will not let them win. I call on the security forces to act forcefully against this despicable phenomenon."
17 june 2013
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Four Border Guard officers who were caught on tape abusing mentally challenged Palestinian get four months community service. Judge: Violence was not severe
The Jerusalem District Court on Monday sentenced four former Border Guard officers who abused a mentally disabled Palestinian to four months community service. In February the court convicted Assaf Kone, Mevorach Binyamin and Buziar Farhan on charges of abuse for their involvement in a 2009 incident in which they abused a Palestinian at a checkpoint near the Givat Ze'ev neighborhood. Dor Ya'akobi was also convicted of issuing threats. |
The indictment against the former officers was filed when a video documenting the incident was submitted to the Internal Affairs Division at the Justice Ministry. The footage helped investigators from the human rights group B'Tselem track down the victim, whose identity was not known up to that point.
During the incident, the officers detained the 27-year-old Palestinian and then put him in their police jeep when he was unable to present an identification card. They asked him again where his ID card was, and warned they would sic their dog on him. At this point the Palestinian began to weep, and Ya'akobi hit him in the stomach while Farhan poured water over him.
Attorney Ronen Yitzhak, the State's representative at the trial, asked the court to sentence the officers to 3-5 years, while stressing their cruelty and the damage caused to Israel's image. The defendants' lawyers claimed the incident was brief and that the violence was not severe. Jerusalem District Court Judge Rafi Carmel said that while the officers' conduct was harsh, the level of violence was not severe and that the dog that was placed in the jeep was near the Palestinian for no more than 40 seconds. The judge was also lenient because the former officers admitted to the allegations and have clean records. Attorney Moshe Oren, who represented Ya'akobi, said the sentence was "reasonable."
During the incident, the officers detained the 27-year-old Palestinian and then put him in their police jeep when he was unable to present an identification card. They asked him again where his ID card was, and warned they would sic their dog on him. At this point the Palestinian began to weep, and Ya'akobi hit him in the stomach while Farhan poured water over him.
Attorney Ronen Yitzhak, the State's representative at the trial, asked the court to sentence the officers to 3-5 years, while stressing their cruelty and the damage caused to Israel's image. The defendants' lawyers claimed the incident was brief and that the violence was not severe. Jerusalem District Court Judge Rafi Carmel said that while the officers' conduct was harsh, the level of violence was not severe and that the dog that was placed in the jeep was near the Palestinian for no more than 40 seconds. The judge was also lenient because the former officers admitted to the allegations and have clean records. Attorney Moshe Oren, who represented Ya'akobi, said the sentence was "reasonable."
13 june 2013
Israeli military sources claimed, on Thursday evening {June 12 2013] that gunmen opened fire at a settlement bus driving, close to the Huwwara military roadblock, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus. The Bus driver stated that he heard a number of live rounds, and that dozens of soldiers rushed to the scene, and found some bullet holes, no injuries.
The army then closed the area, declared it a military zone and started a search campaign.
In other news, Israeli Ynet News reported that two Israeli settlers have been apprehended by the army on suspicion of throwing stones at a house in Burin Palestinian village, near Nablus.
The army then closed the area, declared it a military zone and started a search campaign.
In other news, Israeli Ynet News reported that two Israeli settlers have been apprehended by the army on suspicion of throwing stones at a house in Burin Palestinian village, near Nablus.
6 june 2013
Three suspects in a 2009 double murder in a Tel Aviv gay youth center appeared in court on Thursday, a day before the beachfront city's annual pride parade, police said.
A fourth man arrested overnight was believed to have information on the case but was not considered a direct suspect, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
Media described the man as a prominent member of the gay community and quoted his lawyer Ran Alon as saying that his client had no involvement with the case.
Public radio said the three main suspects were led into court manacled to police officers, protesting their innocence, while one aimed a stream of curses at reporters.
Rosenfeld said that police asked for the three to be remanded in custody for 15 days and the fourth man for seven days.
The radio said that the three were also accused of several offences unrelated to the shooting, suggesting a criminal past.
Most details of the case have been subject to a court-imposed gag order, but press reports said the suspects were all Jewish, aged between 20 and 40, and came from the Tel Aviv suburb of Pardes Katz.
Police sources quoted by the media said the motive appeared to be revenge rather than a hate crime specifically targeting homosexuals.
Liz Trubeshi, 16, and Nir Katz, 26, were killed and 15 others wounded when a masked, black-clad gunman opened fire on a group of young people at the entrance to the youth centre on August 1, 2009.
Survivor Chen Langer, who still has a bullet lodged in his right leg, said the bereaved and disabled were a long way from obtaining closure.
"It will not cure anyone from their terrible feelings, the serious injuries, we shall not recover even after they've caught them. It shocked us all, as a community," he told public radio.
The four-year investigation has reportedly been one of the most extensive and expensive in Israeli police history.
The Haaretz website said the breakthrough came when police found a pistol that they suspect was the murder weapon.
A fourth man arrested overnight was believed to have information on the case but was not considered a direct suspect, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.
Media described the man as a prominent member of the gay community and quoted his lawyer Ran Alon as saying that his client had no involvement with the case.
Public radio said the three main suspects were led into court manacled to police officers, protesting their innocence, while one aimed a stream of curses at reporters.
Rosenfeld said that police asked for the three to be remanded in custody for 15 days and the fourth man for seven days.
The radio said that the three were also accused of several offences unrelated to the shooting, suggesting a criminal past.
Most details of the case have been subject to a court-imposed gag order, but press reports said the suspects were all Jewish, aged between 20 and 40, and came from the Tel Aviv suburb of Pardes Katz.
Police sources quoted by the media said the motive appeared to be revenge rather than a hate crime specifically targeting homosexuals.
Liz Trubeshi, 16, and Nir Katz, 26, were killed and 15 others wounded when a masked, black-clad gunman opened fire on a group of young people at the entrance to the youth centre on August 1, 2009.
Survivor Chen Langer, who still has a bullet lodged in his right leg, said the bereaved and disabled were a long way from obtaining closure.
"It will not cure anyone from their terrible feelings, the serious injuries, we shall not recover even after they've caught them. It shocked us all, as a community," he told public radio.
The four-year investigation has reportedly been one of the most extensive and expensive in Israeli police history.
The Haaretz website said the breakthrough came when police found a pistol that they suspect was the murder weapon.
