20 apr 2016
Six youths from Binyamin region in West Bank confess to having carried out attacks against Palestinians; they have reenacted several of the incidents; they are being investigated for similar offenses carried out in 2008-9.
Six youths from the Binyamin region of the West Bank have admitted to involvement in security offenses against Palestinians, the Shin Bet cleared for publication Wednesday morning.
They are suspected of torching vehicles, throwing Molotov cocktails and gas grenades at inhabited homes and assault. According to the Shin Bet, shortly after their arrest, the suspects admitted the acts attributed to them, and in recent days they have even reenacted several of the incidents.
The six suspects - Pinchas Sandorfi, 22, Itamar Ben Aharon, 20, Michael Kaplan, 20, two boys aged 16 and 17, and a soldier - all of whom live in a settlement in Binyamin. Three of them are brothers, and the actions attributed to them are believed to have taken place in the Gush Talmonim area near Ramallah. The detainees are also being investigated on suspicion of similar offenses carried out in 2008 and 2009.
The Shin Bet and the nationalistic crimes department of the West Bank police investigation revealed that the members of the cell, who were active for a long time, are suspected of torching a Palestinian vehicle in the Palestinian village of Beit Illu a few hours after the murder of Na’ama and Eitam Heinkin last October.
In addition the cell is suspected of attacking a Palestinian in July 2015, and of torching another Palestinian vehicle in 2014. Moreover, five of them are suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a house in the Palestinian village of Mazra’a al-Qibliya last November 20 and of throwing a gas grenade at a house in the village of Beit Illu last December.
The father of the three detained brothers detainees is the rabbi of the settlement. It should be noted that ‘ticking bomb’ investigative techniques, which involve physical pressure, used on those involved in the Dawabshe murder incident, were not used in the suspects.
The nationalistic crimes department and the Shin Bet used various types of technologies during the investigation. Officials involved in the investigation related that the case involved long-term intelligence work, which resulted in the discovery of the cell which operated against Palestinians under the radar for a long time.
Aharon Roza of the Honenu organization, one of the lawyers representing the suspects, said, "In contrast with all sorts of rumors and half-publications, most of the offenses investigated in this matter involve no harm to human life, and most are no more than a scuffle between people. Regardless of the type of offenses being investigated, this method of preventing meetings with an attorney in every investigation whose headline is 'security investigation' is not proper or right."
Hai Haber of the Honenu organization, an attorney representing the suspect who is currently an IDF soldier, said, "Today is another dark day for the state of Israel, which purports to be a democratic state.
Unfortunately, the investigative authorities have apparently not come to the appropriate conclusions from the torture and human rights violations of the Duma affair (in which the detainees, suspected of the arson attack that killed several members of the Dawabsheh family in Duma, were supposedly tortured by the Shin Bet. -ed), and here things go again, and a troubling reality in which prohibiting a suspect from meeting an attorney becomes the rule, and granting a person's basic legal right to speak to an attorney before an interrogation is the exception to that rule."
Adi Keidar, also an attorney from the Honenu organization, who is representing some of the suspects, said, "In the age of Zadorov and Duma, I can only express my astonishment at the continuation of the corrupt method that focuses only on gaining confession by improper means and with no legal advisement. The justice system is becoming one that prevents (people from getting) legal advisement and abandons suspects, and this should worry every citizen of the state."
Six youths from the Binyamin region of the West Bank have admitted to involvement in security offenses against Palestinians, the Shin Bet cleared for publication Wednesday morning.
They are suspected of torching vehicles, throwing Molotov cocktails and gas grenades at inhabited homes and assault. According to the Shin Bet, shortly after their arrest, the suspects admitted the acts attributed to them, and in recent days they have even reenacted several of the incidents.
The six suspects - Pinchas Sandorfi, 22, Itamar Ben Aharon, 20, Michael Kaplan, 20, two boys aged 16 and 17, and a soldier - all of whom live in a settlement in Binyamin. Three of them are brothers, and the actions attributed to them are believed to have taken place in the Gush Talmonim area near Ramallah. The detainees are also being investigated on suspicion of similar offenses carried out in 2008 and 2009.
The Shin Bet and the nationalistic crimes department of the West Bank police investigation revealed that the members of the cell, who were active for a long time, are suspected of torching a Palestinian vehicle in the Palestinian village of Beit Illu a few hours after the murder of Na’ama and Eitam Heinkin last October.
In addition the cell is suspected of attacking a Palestinian in July 2015, and of torching another Palestinian vehicle in 2014. Moreover, five of them are suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a house in the Palestinian village of Mazra’a al-Qibliya last November 20 and of throwing a gas grenade at a house in the village of Beit Illu last December.
The father of the three detained brothers detainees is the rabbi of the settlement. It should be noted that ‘ticking bomb’ investigative techniques, which involve physical pressure, used on those involved in the Dawabshe murder incident, were not used in the suspects.
The nationalistic crimes department and the Shin Bet used various types of technologies during the investigation. Officials involved in the investigation related that the case involved long-term intelligence work, which resulted in the discovery of the cell which operated against Palestinians under the radar for a long time.
Aharon Roza of the Honenu organization, one of the lawyers representing the suspects, said, "In contrast with all sorts of rumors and half-publications, most of the offenses investigated in this matter involve no harm to human life, and most are no more than a scuffle between people. Regardless of the type of offenses being investigated, this method of preventing meetings with an attorney in every investigation whose headline is 'security investigation' is not proper or right."
Hai Haber of the Honenu organization, an attorney representing the suspect who is currently an IDF soldier, said, "Today is another dark day for the state of Israel, which purports to be a democratic state.
Unfortunately, the investigative authorities have apparently not come to the appropriate conclusions from the torture and human rights violations of the Duma affair (in which the detainees, suspected of the arson attack that killed several members of the Dawabsheh family in Duma, were supposedly tortured by the Shin Bet. -ed), and here things go again, and a troubling reality in which prohibiting a suspect from meeting an attorney becomes the rule, and granting a person's basic legal right to speak to an attorney before an interrogation is the exception to that rule."
Adi Keidar, also an attorney from the Honenu organization, who is representing some of the suspects, said, "In the age of Zadorov and Duma, I can only express my astonishment at the continuation of the corrupt method that focuses only on gaining confession by improper means and with no legal advisement. The justice system is becoming one that prevents (people from getting) legal advisement and abandons suspects, and this should worry every citizen of the state."
19 apr 2016
Investigation into five Jews suspected of hate crimes against Palestinians continues, while their remand was extended.
Significant developments have taken place in the investigation of five Jews suspected of involvement in acts of terrorism against Palestinians, the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court cleared for publication on Monday.
The group, currently under investigation, has been interrogated by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police over the past two weeks for allegedly committing hate crimes against Palestinians.
The suspects included two minors and a soldier. The court decided to extend their remand by four days due to the evidence gathered against them.
"The investigation is developing and evidence against the minors is being collected. It must be noted that the evidence is in relation to events which could have put peoples' lives in danger," Judge Eliana Danielly said.
The judge also wrote that the suspicions against the second minor have increased.
However, the judge sharply criticized the way the investigation is being handled, and even noted the medical complications that one of the minors experienced, which required emergency care on Friday.
"The parents gave their agreement for medical treatment, but they weren't given updates as to what was going on. It goes without saying that the parents are very worried because they don't know the medical condition of their son," Judge Danielly said.
Pinhas Shandorfy and Schneur Dana, whose names were cleared for publication last week, are suspected of burning a Palestinian vehicle, affiliation with criminal activities and involvement in an illegal organization.
Significant developments have taken place in the investigation of five Jews suspected of involvement in acts of terrorism against Palestinians, the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court cleared for publication on Monday.
The group, currently under investigation, has been interrogated by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police over the past two weeks for allegedly committing hate crimes against Palestinians.
The suspects included two minors and a soldier. The court decided to extend their remand by four days due to the evidence gathered against them.
"The investigation is developing and evidence against the minors is being collected. It must be noted that the evidence is in relation to events which could have put peoples' lives in danger," Judge Eliana Danielly said.
The judge also wrote that the suspicions against the second minor have increased.
However, the judge sharply criticized the way the investigation is being handled, and even noted the medical complications that one of the minors experienced, which required emergency care on Friday.
"The parents gave their agreement for medical treatment, but they weren't given updates as to what was going on. It goes without saying that the parents are very worried because they don't know the medical condition of their son," Judge Danielly said.
Pinhas Shandorfy and Schneur Dana, whose names were cleared for publication last week, are suspected of burning a Palestinian vehicle, affiliation with criminal activities and involvement in an illegal organization.
17 apr 2016
Sources close to the Zionist Union leader said he fully cooperated with police investigators; statement from his office says he asked to provide his version so he could put the matter behind him.
Investigators from the police's Lahav 433 unit questioned Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) under caution on Sunday on suspicion of receiving illicit contribution, failing to report donations he received, and giving a false statement.
A preliminary investigation was launched against Herzog in late March on suspicion he used funds from his private company – which specializes in bringing foreign caregivers into Israel – to fund his campaign during the Labor party primaries in 2013.
Allegations have been made that Herzog used a team of lawyers to hide the money, and make the financial transfer from his private company to his campaign appear legal.
Sources close to Herzog said the Zionist Union party leader, who was questioned for almost six hours, fully cooperated with investigators and provided answers to all questions.
A statement from Herzog said he request to provide his version to police as quickly as possible, "so I could put the matter behind me - and so I did."
"I have complete trust in law enforcement authorities, and am thankful for their fair and respectable conduct," he went on to say. "After leaving (the investigations room), I am entirely convinced that there is no blot on my character and that soon, this affair will be behind me."
After leaving the investigations room, the Zionist Union leader called members of his faction to assuage their concerns, and politicians who spoke to him said he sounded "calm and at ease." Many of his faction members also commented on the party's WhatsApp group, wishing him luck and expressing their support.
When news of the preliminary investigation leaked to the press, Herzog welcomed it, but stressed that "This is political slander that the Likud party and disgruntled activists tried to spread before the elections, and it was denied at the time. I'm certain the investigation will disprove these absurd claims once and for all. I will fully cooperate with whatever I'm asked to do, so the issue can be promptly clarified."
This isn't the first time Herzog has faced such suspicions. He served as the cabinet secretary in Ehud Barak's government following the 1999 elections. Allegations arose against Barak’s campaign of violating the Parties Financing Law, and Herzog was suspected of fundraising for the One Israel (Labor) party with the help of NGOs. At the time, he was questioned under warning and police recommended to indict him. But Herzog maintained silence, and the attorney general eventually decided to close the case, citing insufficient evidence.
MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) stated, "I am convinced that Herzog has the party and the opposition's best interests in mind, and I will work in cooperation with him and party members to decide what steps to take. There is no doubt that the opposition leader being questioned under caution woesens the situation. I completely trust the police and legal authorities."
Investigators from the police's Lahav 433 unit questioned Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) under caution on Sunday on suspicion of receiving illicit contribution, failing to report donations he received, and giving a false statement.
A preliminary investigation was launched against Herzog in late March on suspicion he used funds from his private company – which specializes in bringing foreign caregivers into Israel – to fund his campaign during the Labor party primaries in 2013.
Allegations have been made that Herzog used a team of lawyers to hide the money, and make the financial transfer from his private company to his campaign appear legal.
Sources close to Herzog said the Zionist Union party leader, who was questioned for almost six hours, fully cooperated with investigators and provided answers to all questions.
A statement from Herzog said he request to provide his version to police as quickly as possible, "so I could put the matter behind me - and so I did."
"I have complete trust in law enforcement authorities, and am thankful for their fair and respectable conduct," he went on to say. "After leaving (the investigations room), I am entirely convinced that there is no blot on my character and that soon, this affair will be behind me."
After leaving the investigations room, the Zionist Union leader called members of his faction to assuage their concerns, and politicians who spoke to him said he sounded "calm and at ease." Many of his faction members also commented on the party's WhatsApp group, wishing him luck and expressing their support.
When news of the preliminary investigation leaked to the press, Herzog welcomed it, but stressed that "This is political slander that the Likud party and disgruntled activists tried to spread before the elections, and it was denied at the time. I'm certain the investigation will disprove these absurd claims once and for all. I will fully cooperate with whatever I'm asked to do, so the issue can be promptly clarified."
This isn't the first time Herzog has faced such suspicions. He served as the cabinet secretary in Ehud Barak's government following the 1999 elections. Allegations arose against Barak’s campaign of violating the Parties Financing Law, and Herzog was suspected of fundraising for the One Israel (Labor) party with the help of NGOs. At the time, he was questioned under warning and police recommended to indict him. But Herzog maintained silence, and the attorney general eventually decided to close the case, citing insufficient evidence.
MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) stated, "I am convinced that Herzog has the party and the opposition's best interests in mind, and I will work in cooperation with him and party members to decide what steps to take. There is no doubt that the opposition leader being questioned under caution woesens the situation. I completely trust the police and legal authorities."
12 apr 2016
Zionist Union Chairman Isaac Herzog is to be investigated for campaign finances. The MK allegedly funneled money illegally from his private company to finance his campaign for chairperson in 2013.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to meet with the head of the Investigations Directorate and the State Prosecutor in order to officially determine whether or not to open a criminal investigation into opposition leader Isaac Herzog's campaign finances this week. .
He is suspected of illegally using funds from his private company – which specializes in bringing foreign caregivers into Israel – to fund his campaign during the primaries in 2013.
The initial investigations into Herzog's finances recently began after gaining the approval of the Attorney General. Herzog was going up against Shelly Yachimovich at the time.
Herzog associate and former Labor Party Chairman Shimon Batat was already investigated, and denied the allegations. However, in light of recent findings, an assessment has been made for the Attorney General to open an investigation into Herzog's campaign finances.
Allegations have been made that Herzog used a team of lawyers to hide the money, and make the financial transfer from his private company to his campaign appear legal.
Herzog has agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation, but described the charges as a "political assassination."
Another associate of Herzog said that "ever since news of the investigation was leaked, Herzog announced that he is willing to fully cooperate with the investigation with the relevant authorities in order to put this issue in the past."
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to meet with the head of the Investigations Directorate and the State Prosecutor in order to officially determine whether or not to open a criminal investigation into opposition leader Isaac Herzog's campaign finances this week. .
He is suspected of illegally using funds from his private company – which specializes in bringing foreign caregivers into Israel – to fund his campaign during the primaries in 2013.
The initial investigations into Herzog's finances recently began after gaining the approval of the Attorney General. Herzog was going up against Shelly Yachimovich at the time.
Herzog associate and former Labor Party Chairman Shimon Batat was already investigated, and denied the allegations. However, in light of recent findings, an assessment has been made for the Attorney General to open an investigation into Herzog's campaign finances.
Allegations have been made that Herzog used a team of lawyers to hide the money, and make the financial transfer from his private company to his campaign appear legal.
Herzog has agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation, but described the charges as a "political assassination."
Another associate of Herzog said that "ever since news of the investigation was leaked, Herzog announced that he is willing to fully cooperate with the investigation with the relevant authorities in order to put this issue in the past."
11 apr 2016
It was released for publication Monday evening that 5 Jews, including a soldier and 3 brothers, were arrested on suspicion of hate crimes against Palestinians.
Five Jewish youths were arrested, two of them aged 16 and 17, on suspicion of security offenses against Palestinians, it was released for publication Monday evening.
One of the boys was arrested a week ago and his detention was extended by a week. Another minor was arrested this morning and his detention was extended by a week. In addition a soldier was arrested. Three of the suspects are brothers.
A week ago another suspect, Schneur Dana, was arrested for burning a Palestinian vehicle, affiliation with criminal activities and involvement in an illegal organization. His detention was prolonged by three days. Another youth, Pinhas Shandorfy, was arrested along with Dana, and is suspected of security offenses. His detention was extended for an additional week for investigation purposes.
Attorney Aaron Rose, who is representing several of the suspects, said after the hearing that "I hope that the investigating authorities come to their senses soon and allow a meeting between myself and my clients for advice, a constitutional right that everyone is entitled to."
The father of one of the suspects said that "it was not explained why we could not attend the hearing, and why they do not have permission to see a lawyer. To arrest someone for ten days is not reasonable. Ten days of arrest is something unreasonable. There is a double standard when it comes to those suspected of certain types of offenses.”
MK Itzik Shmuli (Zionist Union), chairman of the Knesset lobby against "price tag” attacks responded to the arrests stressing that "Israel must deracinate from its midst this scourge of Jewish terrorism directed against innocent people because of their political agenda. The response from the state must be clear and aggressive from the country without a hint of understanding or forgiveness due to circumstances.”
Last October a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Beit llu village near Ramallah, was set on fire, and on the wall of a nearby house the words "revenge Heinkin" were sprayed. (Eitan and Na'ama Heinkin were killed by Palestinian terrorists last October -ed.) That same month stones were thrown at Palestinian homes and vehicles.
Five Jewish youths were arrested, two of them aged 16 and 17, on suspicion of security offenses against Palestinians, it was released for publication Monday evening.
One of the boys was arrested a week ago and his detention was extended by a week. Another minor was arrested this morning and his detention was extended by a week. In addition a soldier was arrested. Three of the suspects are brothers.
A week ago another suspect, Schneur Dana, was arrested for burning a Palestinian vehicle, affiliation with criminal activities and involvement in an illegal organization. His detention was prolonged by three days. Another youth, Pinhas Shandorfy, was arrested along with Dana, and is suspected of security offenses. His detention was extended for an additional week for investigation purposes.
Attorney Aaron Rose, who is representing several of the suspects, said after the hearing that "I hope that the investigating authorities come to their senses soon and allow a meeting between myself and my clients for advice, a constitutional right that everyone is entitled to."
The father of one of the suspects said that "it was not explained why we could not attend the hearing, and why they do not have permission to see a lawyer. To arrest someone for ten days is not reasonable. Ten days of arrest is something unreasonable. There is a double standard when it comes to those suspected of certain types of offenses.”
MK Itzik Shmuli (Zionist Union), chairman of the Knesset lobby against "price tag” attacks responded to the arrests stressing that "Israel must deracinate from its midst this scourge of Jewish terrorism directed against innocent people because of their political agenda. The response from the state must be clear and aggressive from the country without a hint of understanding or forgiveness due to circumstances.”
Last October a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Beit llu village near Ramallah, was set on fire, and on the wall of a nearby house the words "revenge Heinkin" were sprayed. (Eitan and Na'ama Heinkin were killed by Palestinian terrorists last October -ed.) That same month stones were thrown at Palestinian homes and vehicles.
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The Israeli military advocate general has closed the investigation into the cold-blooded killing of a Palestinian teenager by a senior Israeli officer near Ramallah last year, according to a press release issued by the Israeli army.
An Israeli officer called Yisrael Shomer shot and killed Muhammad Hani al-Kasbah, 17, in the head and chest on July 3, 2015 after the teenager threw a stone at an Israeli military vehicle near Qalandiya checkpoint, south of Ramallah. The military advocate general concluded that the shooting of the officer was not criminal and the event did not justify taking legal action against him, the Israeli army stated on Sunday. |
"Shomer exited his vehicle and fired into the air and towards the lower extremities of the assailant. However, due to the reality of the operational situation, the shots resulted in the death of the assailant," the advocate general claimed.
Although the Israeli army initially claimed Shomer had acted in self-defense, a video released shortly after al-Kasbah’s death by B’Tselem showed that al-Kasbah was posing no threat to Israeli soldiers' lives at the scene. In the video recording, the victim was running away after throwing a stone at a military jeep when an officer fired three live bullets at him.
"The MAG's (Military Advocate General) assertion that the firing was legal, since the officer claimed that he aimed at the youth's legs but missed, clearly indicates the investigative system's willingness to ignore the law and the open-fire regulations, all in the interest of providing impunity to members of the security forces who unlawfully killed Palestinians," B’Tselem said in a statement on Sunday.
Although the Israeli army initially claimed Shomer had acted in self-defense, a video released shortly after al-Kasbah’s death by B’Tselem showed that al-Kasbah was posing no threat to Israeli soldiers' lives at the scene. In the video recording, the victim was running away after throwing a stone at a military jeep when an officer fired three live bullets at him.
"The MAG's (Military Advocate General) assertion that the firing was legal, since the officer claimed that he aimed at the youth's legs but missed, clearly indicates the investigative system's willingness to ignore the law and the open-fire regulations, all in the interest of providing impunity to members of the security forces who unlawfully killed Palestinians," B’Tselem said in a statement on Sunday.
10 apr 2016
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Despite being documented on video attacking Ezra Nawi, judge clears Benzi Gopstein of charges, accepting his claim that he thought Nawi and other left-wing activists, who were climbing the fence into a Jewish neighborhood in Hebron, were Arabs seeking to harm Jews.
Benzi Gopstein, the head of the anti-assimilation organization Lehava, was acquitted of assault on Sunday, over seven years after he was documented attacking radical left-wing activist Ezra Nawi in Hebron. In August of 2008, several left-wing activists arrived in Hebron and tried to enter the Givat HaAvot neighborhood in Kiryat Arba. Gopstein, a radical |
right-wing activist, is seen in a video of the incident attacking several of the left-wing activists, including Nawi. The video came to light only years later following an investigative report on Channel 2's "Uvda" program.
The video shows Nawi and other left-wing activists climbing the fence alongside Arab residents of Hebron and infiltrating the neighborhood.
Gopstein, who arrived at the scene, claimed he acted as one should act when hostile elements enter a neighborhood in which many children live.
A complaint was filed against Gopstein with the police following the incident, which led to an indictment.
Jerusalem Magistrate's Court Judge Dov Pollock ruled in Gopstein's favor and cleared him of the charges, noting that "the irony is that the video saved you."
Pollock accepted Gopstein's claim that he thought the left-wing activists were Arabs seeking to harm the Jewish residents of the neighborhood. The judge wrote in his ruling that "the circumstances of the incident justify an acquittal. We must examine whether the incident in question constitutes an assault or self defense."
In his verdict, the judge noted that a particularly acrimonious swear word that Gopstein uttered at Nawi "may not be worthy of being spoken, but does not constitute a threat, and is protected under the freedom of expression given to any man."
Gopstein's lawyer, Yitzhak Bam, welcomed the ruling. "Nawi is a man entirely devoted to provocation, and we're pleased with the decision of the court, which did not buy into (Nawi) and his anarchist friends' provocations," Bam said.
Gosptein himself also welcomed the acquittal. "I'm very glad that after years of drawn out legal proceedings, the court found me not guilty. I shouldn't have been put on trial, I was acting in self defense when I thought Palestinians and anarchists were entering the neighborhood (by climbing) over the fence."
He also added a clear threat: "In hindsight, I should've beaten them harder, but maybe there'll be other chances."
The video shows Nawi and other left-wing activists climbing the fence alongside Arab residents of Hebron and infiltrating the neighborhood.
Gopstein, who arrived at the scene, claimed he acted as one should act when hostile elements enter a neighborhood in which many children live.
A complaint was filed against Gopstein with the police following the incident, which led to an indictment.
Jerusalem Magistrate's Court Judge Dov Pollock ruled in Gopstein's favor and cleared him of the charges, noting that "the irony is that the video saved you."
Pollock accepted Gopstein's claim that he thought the left-wing activists were Arabs seeking to harm the Jewish residents of the neighborhood. The judge wrote in his ruling that "the circumstances of the incident justify an acquittal. We must examine whether the incident in question constitutes an assault or self defense."
In his verdict, the judge noted that a particularly acrimonious swear word that Gopstein uttered at Nawi "may not be worthy of being spoken, but does not constitute a threat, and is protected under the freedom of expression given to any man."
Gopstein's lawyer, Yitzhak Bam, welcomed the ruling. "Nawi is a man entirely devoted to provocation, and we're pleased with the decision of the court, which did not buy into (Nawi) and his anarchist friends' provocations," Bam said.
Gosptein himself also welcomed the acquittal. "I'm very glad that after years of drawn out legal proceedings, the court found me not guilty. I shouldn't have been put on trial, I was acting in self defense when I thought Palestinians and anarchists were entering the neighborhood (by climbing) over the fence."
He also added a clear threat: "In hindsight, I should've beaten them harder, but maybe there'll be other chances."
