The violence in the Ethiopian protest. Israel Police Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Yaakov Shabtai spoke with the commanders of a police officer from the Yarkon Regional Police who was seriously injured last night as a result of an object thrown at him while he was part of the police security force of the protest in Kaplan.
Shabtai heard from policeman's commanders about the sequence of violent events during the protest, which culminated in the injuries of six police officers who were part of the police security force accompanying the protest throughout the evening in a patient manner, engaging in dialogue that began even before the protest and continued throughout its entirety.
The Commissioner: "We are witnessing a severe injury to an officer for the second consecutive week, which should raise a red flag for all of us regarding the ease with which officers who diligently perform their duties are subjected to such violent attacks. Last week, there was an attempted murder of an officer, and last night, a severe injury of an officer who required surgery, along with injuries to five more officers. The Israel Police will hold those who chose to trample the law recklessly and harm officers, who accommodated the protest and ensured the security of the demonstrators and the entire public during the protest, accountable.
"I return and emphasize that the Israel Police regards the right to protest as a cornerstone of a democratic state and allows demonstrations as long as they are conducted within the framework of the law. However, simultaneously, we will have zero tolerance towards those who violate the law and will reach each and every one of them, just as we did with the suspect in the attempted murder of the officer last week. On behalf of the Israel Police, I wish a speedy recovery to the injured officers and assure that we will not move on until we bring to justice anyone who harmed officers and violated the law."