Former Border Police officer indicted over alleged sexual harassment of a minor on Instagram

A former Border Police officer, Yazan Goaya, was indicted on Wednesday on multiple counts of sexually harassing a child under 14 through Instagram, the Justice Ministry's Police Investigation Department (PID) announced on Thursday. The indictment, filed with the Nazareth Magistrate's Court by attorney Hila Cohen, alleges that Goaya repeatedly proposed meeting the minor for sexual activity, offered money, requested photographs, and sent sexually explicit messages, even after being told the child had not yet turned 14. The charge sheet does not allege that a meeting or physical contact ultimately took place. Goaya served at the time in the Jerusalem Border Police. Prosecutors said they could not determine the precise dates of the alleged correspondence but that it occurred before September 15, 2024. The indictment was filed on August 12, 2026, nearly two years after the latest date provided for the correspondence. Neither the indictment nor the department's announcement explains the length of time between the alleged conduct and the filing of charges. Goaya is charged under provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law covering repeated sexual proposals and repeated comments focusing on another person's sexuality. The investigation was conducted by the Jerusalem team of the PID. Prosecutors notified the court that they may seek a prison sentence if Goaya is convicted. The article also discusses the PID's institutional future, which is currently before the High Court of Justice following legislation separating the department from the State Attorney's Office.