Tel Aviv Court Extends Internet Ban on Singer Ofer Levi Amid Probe
A Tel Aviv court extended an internet ban on Israeli singer Ofer Levi until November 3 amid an ongoing police investigation into suspected incitement to violence.
A Tel Aviv Magistrates Court prohibited Israeli singer Ofer Levi from using the internet until November 3 at 12:00 PM, following a police request to extend restrictions amid an ongoing investigation into suspected incitement to violence.
During the hearing presided over by Judge Shelly Kutin, police representative Sergeant Daniella Bloch from the Holon police station requested a 15-day extension of the internet ban imposed on the 62-year-old artist. The restriction bars Levi from any personal use of the internet, rather than solely limiting his social media publishing activities.
Defense attorney Hassan Natur requested clarification that the restriction would not apply to Levi's managers, who require internet access for professional duties such as scheduling performances. After reviewing the investigative materials and hearing arguments, Judge Kutin granted the police request only partially, limiting the ban to five additional days.
The investigation was launched by the Holon police station after a video circulated on social media showing a man allegedly inciting violence against supporters of a political party. Police investigators examined the footage and obtained authorization from the State Attorney's Office to open a criminal probe.
During questioning, Levi acknowledged publishing the post and its messaging, despite a prior claim that the video had been generated using artificial intelligence. Following his initial interrogation, the singer was released under restrictive conditions while the investigation continues.
