Police commander charged with assaulting Palestinian at West Bank checkpoint

A Border Police commander faces charges for allegedly assaulting a Palestinian man at a West Bank checkpoint, leaving the detainee with a broken hand and bleeding. The Justice Ministry’s Police Investigation Department (PID) filed an indictment under a plea arrangement against squad commander Eyal Haimov.

Haimov is accused of assault causing actual bodily harm, threats, and unlawful computer access. The incident reportedly occurred on June 11, 2024, at the Container Checkpoint near Bethlehem. According to the indictment, officers collected identity cards and phones from passengers in a vehicle. After finding a photograph of a weapon on the detainee's phone, Haimov allegedly removed the man from the car, pinned him against a wall, and struck him repeatedly.

The indictment further alleges that Haimov then used an improvised club to strike the detainee's limbs, causing a fracture to his left hand. Following the assault, Haimov allegedly poured water over the detainee and wiped his face with his shirt before returning him to the vehicle. Haimov is also accused of threatening another officer who reportedly witnessed the alleged assault.

The specific terms of the plea arrangement were not detailed in the charge sheet. However, the prosecution has informed the court that it may seek a prison sentence for Haimov if he is convicted.