'Cheap populism,' MK Cassif calls out Ben-Gvir's arrival at his evidentiary hearing
Ben Gvir came to the hearing to show his support for the police officer who filed the complaint and is testifying against Cassif.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Yitzhak Kroizer arrived at the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning for the evidentiary hearing against MK Ofer Cassif, who is accused of assaulting a police officer.
The prosecution filed an indictment of assault under aggravated circumstances against Cassif in May 2022, after he was documented hitting a police officer on the head.
A video of the incident reportedly shows the politician striking an officer who had blocked his way to a protest in the South Hebron Hills.
Ben-Gvir came to the hearing to show his support for the police officer who filed the complaint and is testifying against Cassif. The minister was criticized for showing up to court when three people were killed overnight Sunday.
“I will continue to support the heroic police officers, especially when it comes to one who was attacked by terror supporter Cassif,” Ben-Gvir said.
“I embrace the officer with love and hope that the court will ensure that Cassif gets the punishment he deserves and send him to prison,” he added.
Cassif calls Ben Gvir's attendance ironcic, attempt at 'cheap populism'
Cassif said in court, “I came today not as a suspect in war crimes, nor as a dismantler of the judicial system, nor as an abandoner of hostages to die in agony, but as an elected official who stood by his principles and his commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace for both peoples.”He added, “The irony knows no bounds: The racist minister [Ben-Gvir], a serial supporter of terror and violence, chose to come to court just so he can be seen here. Three civilians were murdered just last night [in criminal violence], 14 in a single week – while the minister who is supposed to protect them is busy tweeting and pushing cheap populism.”
A-G must curb Israel Police's wave of violence, says attorney
He continued, “I will not be silenced. I will continue to fight to end the bloodshed, to end the occupation, and for a just and sane future for both peoples of this land.”Cassif’s representative attorney Daniel Halaki said, “We believe the decision [to charge Cassif] is mistaken, but every decision by the Attorney-General’s Office must be respected.”
Halaki added, “At the same time, we want to take this opportunity to call on the attorney-general to curb the wave of violence from elements within the Israel Police, inspired by the fascist minister and aimed at suppressing important and legitimate protests against the Israeli government – protests that sit at the core of the democratic rule of law and human rights in Israel.”
Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report.
