Israeli Lawmakers Clash with Residents at Jezreel Valley Election Event

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and MK Yitzhak Kroizer clashed with participants at an election event in the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, held at Kibbutz Yifat. Kroizer labeled Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara a "criminal woman," while Cohen continued trading barbs with local residents after the panel. KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Austrinsky harshly attacked Cohen, and Democrats Chairman Yair Golan criticized ISA Director David Zini.

Kroizer, an Otzma Yehudit lawmaker, was questioned about reports concerning his alleged involvement in assaulting police officers at Mitzpe Yeriho. Denying the accusations, he stated that he attempted to calm a confrontation between officers and bereaved families following a memorial service.

"I did not block a road or assault police officers. I was with bereaved siblings and tried to de-escalate the incident," he said. According to Kroizer, a Yasam border police officer pushed and struck him in front of his mother and son, and after standing up, pepper spray was deployed directly into his face. "I have never assaulted police officers, I love the police and worked alongside them. They are loyal individuals who serve the public," he added.

Legal Disputes and Accusations

Kroizer noted that he visited the Department of Police Investigations (Mahash) to testify and file a complaint against the officers, but after hours of waiting was informed that the Attorney General instructed authorities not to allow the filing.

"To this moment I have not received any notification from the Attorney General. She is a criminal woman who will lead us to catastrophe!" he stated.

Amid shouting and booing from the audience, he added: "It is amazing that all the democrats are engaged in silencing anyone who does not think like them. We are in a democracy and I will speak my truth."

Debates over the Negev and Jezreel Valley

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen also engaged in a heated exchange with attendees regarding his presence and views. During his remarks, Cohen addressed the opposition to building a supplementary airport to Ben Gurion Airport in the Jezreel Valley, advocating instead for its construction in the Negev.

"This is a shared interest for the residents of the Negev and the Jezreel Valley, proving that political disputes can be set aside for a common vision," he said, noting that tenders are projected to be issued in early 2028. Cohen further emphasized the necessity of combating agricultural crime and extortion (protektsyon), vowing to promote a sentencing reform featuring strict mandatory minimums if re-elected.

Criticism from Opposition Figures

KKL Chairman Eyal Austrinsky delivered sharp remarks against Cohen on stage, condemning his presence and public rhetoric. Meanwhile, Democrats leader Yair Golan focused his criticism on incoming ISA chief David Zini, expressing deep concern over election security and counter-terrorism measures in the West Bank.

"Zini has failed in two missions: investigating the Qatari affair and fighting Jewish terror in the West Bank. Now he has a third mission: protecting the integrity of the election process," Golan declared, while also reiterating his opposition to establishing a major airport within rocket range of Lebanon.