Border Police commander indicted for violent, humiliating hazing of female officer

An Israeli Border Police squad commander has been indicted for allegedly subjecting a female officer to a violent and humiliating hazing ritual that included sexual misconduct. Itamar Karko, a commander in the Judea and Samaria Division, faces charges of assault and an indecent act.

The indictment, filed by the Department of Internal Police Investigations, details events that allegedly transpired on the night of February 19, 2025, at the Abu Dis base. The incident reportedly began as an "initiation ceremony" for a new female officer, referred to as A., as part of a unit tradition known as a "zuvor" game.

According to the charges, Karko locked the door to a base club and proceeded to physically and verbally assault the officer. He allegedly punched her repeatedly in the ribs and stomach for incorrect answers during questioning, and later pulled her hair.

The indictment further states the encounter escalated to a sexual nature. Karko allegedly forced the officer to kneel between his spread legs, pulled her hair, and brought her face close to his genitals without her consent. The officer reportedly managed to break free from the situation.