MK Cassif claims IDF soldier assaulted him while trying to block his entry to West Bank town Kusra

Hadash-Ta'al lawmaker Ofer Cassif has accused Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers of physically and verbally assaulting him as he attempted to reach Palestinian families in the West Bank village of Kusra. The village homes have been surrounded amid ongoing confrontations between extremist settlers and Israeli security forces.

Cassif stated that during his attempt to enter Kusra, soldiers blocked his path and subjected him to verbal and physical abuse. He shared footage showing soldiers preventing his entry. "Before the checkpoint, with my hands behind my back, one of the soldiers threw himself to the ground and claimed that I had attacked him. Later, they violently pushed me back to my car. I filed a complaint over this incident," Cassif said, adding that he eventually succeeded in reaching the families.

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Before the checkpoint, with my hands behind my back, one of the soldiers threw himself to the ground and claimed that I had attacked him. Later, they violently pushed me back to my car. I filed a complaint over this incident.

He expressed concern over the treatment, stating, "If this is how the occupation forces treat a serving member of Knesset, one can only imagine what Palestinians experience every day and the extent of the lies spread to justify this reality." Cassif reiterated his call for international intervention to end the occupation and establish peace.

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If this is how the occupation forces treat a serving member of Knesset, one can only imagine what Palestinians experience every day and the extent of the lies spread to justify this reality.

The IDF confirmed that Cassif and several civilians did arrive at Kusra. They stated the altercation concerned the entry of individuals not part of the Knesset into the village, which had been designated a closed military zone. The IDF noted that Cassif arrived without prior coordination but was permitted entry under existing exceptions for lawmakers. Regarding the physical confrontation seen in the video, the IDF confirmed that "The conduct of the soldiers during the incident is being examined."

This is not Cassif's first visit to Kusra during the recent unrest. He previously visited on August 14, where he reported being initially prevented from entering by IDF troops before eventually being allowed to pass and deliver supplies to residents affected by settler violence.

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The conduct of the soldiers during the incident is being examined.