Protest demonstration in front of national headquarters following the death of her beloved godfather, this week // Photo: Police spokeswoman
The Deputy State Attorney for Criminal Affairs decided to establish a joint investigation team for DIP and the Tel Aviv District Police, as this is an incident involving both civilians and police officers, but the latter are being investigated by DIP. “The Deputy State Attorney instructed that as part of the IDF investigation “A clear priority will be given to the investigative actions required by DIP for the purpose of investigating the suspicion against the police,” the police said.
The police investigation of the incident shows that the incident began when several suspects threw stones at Palestinians on a road near Gush Etzion, and they fled when they saw a police car approaching them. During a police chase that took place at the scene, the police car collided with the suspects’ vehicle – which overturned, and a godfather, who was sitting inside, was killed. Four of his friends were injured in the incident – two moderately and two lightly.
In response to the boy’s death, the heads of councils in Judea and Samaria and the settlers sent a letter to the Minister of Internal Security, Amir Ohana, requesting that an external commission of inquiry be set up to examine the party’s procedures. “This is a very serious, painful and unprecedented event. We fear an abyss that could open up between the Israel Police and large sections of the public, with an emphasis on the youth.”
“It is extremely important to restore trust, and there is no other way to do that other than setting up an external commission of inquiry,” they added. “A police inspection commission, or a spot inspection of a DIP, even though they are important, will not restore public confidence, and the damage is ours.”