Rapper and far-right activist Yoav Eliasi, who performs under the stage name "Hatzel," was summoned for questioning Wednesday by Israel's Police Internal Investigations Department as a corruption investigation expands into alleged abuse of his police authority to protect a Tel Aviv entertainment complex.
Eliasi, an associate and ally of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was suspended from his position as commander of a Tel Aviv District rapid response squad by Israel Police Commissioner Inspector-General Danny Levy following a Haaretz report that he had boasted about his connections with police officials and claimed they helped prevent the closure of an entertainment complex in which he was a partner.
Upon arriving at the Police Internal Investigations Department office in Tel Aviv Wednesday morning, Eliasi posted a photograph to Facebook with the caption "Good morning," appearing to make light of the interrogation process.
The Haaretz Investigation
The investigation revealed that Eliasi, known as 'The Shadow' and a close ally of police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, used his role as commander of a civilian squad to seek leniency from district police after violent incidents at a Tel Aviv club in which he was a business partner.
Citing audio recordings obtained by the outlet, the Haaretz report said Eliasi told one of his business partners that he was "educating" the police "that they can't touch this club." He further urged his partner to call him about any issues regarding the club's relationship with law enforcement, allegedly saying "You call me right away, no matter the time."
Employees told the outlet that Eliasi was able to ensure that the club was only shut down for a week, as opposed to the customary 21 days, following a September stabbing.
Expanding Investigation
The Police Internal Investigations Department previously questioned a police officer at the rank of deputy superintendent under caution on suspicion of breach of trust, as part of the case involving the removal of Yoav Eliasi from his position as commander of a standby unit in the Tel Aviv District. According to the suspicion, the officer acted to advance Eliasi's interests in a club in which he is a partner.
At the end of his questioning, the officer was released under conditions barring him from police facilities and prohibiting contact with those involved for 10 days.
Suspension and Confiscation
The decision to suspend Eliasi followed a Haaretz report in which he was recorded telling one of his partners at the complex that he makes sure that "this club cannot be touched." He also asked that any contact from the police be referred to him immediately, regardless of the hour.
Eliasi's firearm was confiscated following the decision, and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened a review of the information revealed in the report.
Ben-Gvir Connection
Eliasi, born November 22, 1977, is an Israeli rapper, blogger, and far-right political activist. According to Haaretz, Eliasi is now better known for his ultra-nationalist politics than for his music, having built a massive online following through posts that frequently target Arabs, leftists, LGBTQ Israelis and asylum seekers. His close association with National Security Minister Ben-Gvir has drawn heightened scrutiny to the allegations.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. Eliasi's legal representatives told media outlets that he was not officially ousted from his position, but instead chose to step aside until the inquiry concludes.
