Challenges Mount for Israel Police in Containing Protests and Protecting Citizens

In recent months, Israeli police have publicly, and likely unintentionally, indicated that they are struggling to fulfill their duties effectively. In multiple incidents, they have demonstrated an inability to protect Israel’s citizens in tense environments without resorting to violence, admitting to using tactics that endanger the public.

A shocking incident two weeks ago involved an Israel Police officer telling protester Itamar Alroey, "I will rape your mother." This statement, captured in a viral video, intensified public discourse about police violence, which has become more mainstream as more Israelis participate in protests and witness such behavior.

For some Israelis, the statement was not surprising, as it echoed a previous threat made by a cop to protester Amitai Aboudi during his violent arrest last summer.

In response to the incident with Alroey, Israel Police condemned the threats made. "The policeman's conduct at the scene is not in line with the norms of discourse and conduct expected of every policeman even in turbulent situations of this kind, so it will be examined and dealt with accordingly.” While this statement reassured the public, it also raised questions about why the police felt the need to highlight the protest's turbulent environment.

By their profession, police officers often operate in highly volatile settings, including mass shooting events, fires, and violent domestic disputes. Protests, which are naturally chaotic and emotionally charged, are another such environment.

At a May Knesset National Security Committee meeting on police violence at protests, Commander Gilad Bahat acknowledged the difficulties police face in handling demonstrations. “Police are not always perfect. If there are mistakes, they should be examined,” he said. Bahat emphasized the complexity of the task, stating that police are doing their utmost.

Police Utilization of Horses

One controversial method used by the police during protests is deploying mounted units, which has led to several injuries. A notable incident in April 2023 involved protester Yael Reuveni being repeatedly whipped by mounted police officer Shai Peretz on the Ayalon Highway. The Justice Ministry’s Police Investigation Department indicted Peretz for this attack.

Peretz’s testimony revealed his concern over losing control of his police horse, which he claimed endangered both him and those around him. "I have control of the horse, but it is not absolute. At the end of the day it is an animal, and has unexpected behavior. This thing ended in a miracle that 600 kg. didn't run into the crowd."

This sentiment was echoed by the commander of Israel's national mounted police unit, one of the force’s most experienced officers in the use of horses. This raises an important question: if mounted police cannot reliably control their horses during protests, why are they still being used in such environments?

The use of horses in protests is another instance where the police admit to failing in their duty to protect citizens while allowing them to exercise their basic right to protest.

A Call for Solutions

Israeli police are signaling a red flag, admitting their inability to perform their duties effectively under current conditions. Police officers are entrusted with the power to protect and serve the public, maintaining order even in challenging environments.

However, when it comes to protests—a fundamental aspect of democracy—police are making excuses for their violence and employing methods that endanger protesters. Israel’s political leadership and legislative branch must address these issues by providing better solutions, whether through increased budgets for improved training, making the profession more attractive, or implementing better oversight and real consequences for violent or negligent officers.

Public unrest has become a regular part of life in Israel, with a continuous stream of massive protests over the years. Police violence has also been a long-standing issue in protests within the Haredi and Arab sectors.

Protest is a basic human right. A police force that enables safe protests is not optional; it is absolutely necessary. Israel's leadership must find a way to ensure its citizens can exercise this right safely and effectively.

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