HaTzel to the police: "I will suspend myself until the investigation is over – I will not agree to dismissal"

Following the hearing held today (Thursday) at the police, Yoav "HaTzel" Eliasi announced that he is willing to suspend himself from his role as a police volunteer until the conclusion of the investigation by the Department of Internal Police Investigations (Mahash), but clarified that he will not agree to his dismissal before the investigation is completed and a decision is made regarding his case. The affair is generating significant public interest, after it was reported in recent days that Mahash is examining claims regarding Eliasi's conduct during his activity as a police volunteer.

Eliasi's attorney, Adv. Yaniv Lankri, stated after the hearing:

"HaTzel finished an excellent hearing a few minutes ago and received sympathy from the officers who were present at the hearing session. Even though there is nothing to the Mahash claims, he informed the police at the hearing that he would agree to suspend himself until the end of the Mahash investigation. However, any other act that might be taken, God forbid, before the end of the inquiry will be met with immediate legal proceedings by my client."

He further added: "In summary: not HaTzel – not investigating at all."

At this stage, a final decision regarding Eliasi has not yet been made, and the procedure at Mahash is still ongoing. According to his attorney's statement, his position is that a temporary suspension until the end of the inquiry is a proportionate step, while any attempt to dismiss him before the investigation is completed would be, in his view, unjustified and would lead to the taking of legal steps.