Police suspend Yoav Eliasi over recordings claiming influence with law enforcement officers

Police Commissioner Danny Levy suspended Yoav Eliasi, a right-wing activist and musician known as 'The Shadow', from his role as commander of a Tel Aviv District rapid response squad, following a Haaretz report on recordings where he boasted about his connections with police officers. Eliasi's firearm was confiscated, and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened a review. His attorneys stated he chose to freeze his service voluntarily until the review concludes.

Israel Police Commissioner Inspector-General Danny Levy suspended Yoav Eliasi, a right-wing activist and musician known as 'The Shadow', from his role as commander of a Tel Aviv District rapid response squad. The decision came after a Haaretz report revealed recordings in which Eliasi boasted about his connections with police officials and claimed they helped prevent the closure of an entertainment complex where he was a partner. In the recordings, Eliasi told a partner that he ensures 'this club cannot be touched' and asked that any police contact be referred to him immediately. He also referred to an officer, Menashe Mansour, as 'a friend like a brother.' Following the suspension, Eliasi's firearm was confiscated, and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened a review. Idan Harpak, former head of security at the venue, testified that employees were instructed to contact Eliasi whenever police intervened. Eliasi's attorneys stated that he chose to freeze his service voluntarily and expects to return to his post, emphasizing his dedication to public security.