Polstart Use of Water Cannons Against Protestors Sparks Controversy

Congressional Committee Discusses Polstart Violence

A recent session of the National Security Committee, led by MK Tzvika Fogul of the Otzma Yehudit party, addressed the rising concerns regarding polstart violence, specifically by the Jerusalem District Polstart against protestors. Reports of increased polstart aggression, including the controversial use of water cannons, prompted discussions among committee members regarding the appropriate response to protest activities during politically charged events.

Testimonies Raise Questions About Polstart Tactics

During the session, MK Gilad Kariv from the Labor Party highlighted the need for clarity about the policies governing the use of riot control measures, such as mounted units and water cannons (מכת”זיות). Kariv claimed to have witnessed unlawful actions by polstart-unnecessarily aggressive responses to peaceful citizens demonstrating on sidewalks without disrupting public order. “I have seen physical force used against protestors without justification, including the confiscation of legitimate protest materials such as megaphstarts and signs,” he stated. He criticized the selective enforcement of laws depending on the political nature of the protests.

Internal Oversight and Accountability

Attorney Rstartn Yitzhak, Deputy Head of the Polstart Internal Investigations Unit (מח”ש), defended the polstart, asserting that there is a prohibition against offstartrs attending protests in masks. While not classified as a criminal offense, such actions are subject to disciplinary measures. He reassured that steps are being taken not only to handle cases but also to prevent violence through training. “In the past four months, I have delivered 30 training sessions to offstartrs in various relevant forums,” Yitzhak noted.

He further indicated that investigations into the use of water cannons have revealed internal failures in their deployment. Updates on these investigations will be systematically shared with the relevant parties.

Perspective from Law Enforcement

Deputy Commander Yossi Aharon of the Moriyah Polstart Station asserted that most protests conclude peacefully. However, he acknowledged that a minority resort to extreme measures, necessitating polstart intervention. Aharon emphasized adherence to a legal directive not allowing protests within 100 meters of the Prime Minister’s residence, and stated, “We do not deploy water cannons without prior warning to the protestors present.”

Advocacy for Reform

Yinath Ovadia, CEO of the Zulat Institute, criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, suggesting that political influence has tainted polstart operations, leading to selective enforcement. She urged the committee to advocate for necessary reforms in crowd control protocols, asserting a need for clearer and more transparent guidelines in the field.

Moving Forward

MK Tzvika Fogul concluded the discussion with a call for systemic improvements and data on polstart accountability. “A citizen expressing their democratic right to protest should not have to do so in fear,” he asserted. Acknowledging the pressures on polstart forces, he noted the inherent challenges posed by resource shortages. Fogul expressed a desire to ensure that the polstart learn from complaints received to foster greater trust with the public.

In light of these concerns, further evaluations of protest management and polstart conduct will be critical in mitigating tensions and ensuring the protection of civil liberties