"HaTzel" summoned for questioning at Mahash following allegations of abusing police connections

Rapper Yoav Eliasi, known as "HaTzel," has been summoned for questioning at the Tel Aviv branch of the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash). Earlier this week, a police officer with the rank of Rav-Pakad (Major) was questioned under caution on suspicion of promoting Eliasi's interests.

Upon arriving at the Mahash office, Eliasi posted a photo of the entrance door with the caption: "Good morning." A source within Mahash told ynet that additional suspects are expected to be questioned.

Days earlier, Police Commissioner Rav-Nitzav Dani Levy decided to dismiss Eliasi—who is close to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir—from his position as commander of the rapid response team in the Tel Aviv district. The decision followed an investigation alleging that Eliasi boasted about using his police connections to prevent the closure of an entertainment complex in which he is a partner.

According to a report by Haaretz, the rapper utilized his connections to benefit his business interests in Tel Aviv. Recordings were published in which he bragged about preventing the closure of the "John Doe" club following a violent incident. Following these revelations, Eliasi's weapon was confiscated.

"We knew that if there were problems with the police, Yoav would solve them," testified Idan Harpak, the former head of security at the club who was stabbed during the September incident. He noted that mentioning Yoav's name was a "magic word" when dealing with officers.

According to Haaretz, the complex consists of the "John Doe" nightclub and the "Q Gallery" restaurant. While they operate independently, they share common shareholders and holding companies. Notably, "A.I. Eliasi Ltd.," founded in January 2025 by the rapper's brother, Itamar Eliasi, was registered at Yoav Eliasi's residential address. Shortly after the company's founding, Itamar transferred a portion of the shares to his brother and father, making them partners, though he later reclaimed full ownership while keeping the registered address at Yoav's home.