'Slap on the wrist' for top police officer following Peki'in riots

An internal police committee of inquiry into the Peki'in riots of October 2007 revealed a series of worrying failings in both the preparation and execution stages of the operation to contain the public disturbance. The findings were released on Thursday.

But despite the committee's grave report detailing the errors in judgment evident throughout the operation, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen chose to end the disciplinary proceedings by issuing a reprimand against Northern District Commander Maj. Gen. Shimon Koren.

Cohen has already voiced his support of Koren and said he would continue to command his district for an additional three years.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Majalli Whbee (Kadima) called on Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter to overturn the police commissioner's decision and dismiss Koren from his post.

"The decision to allow Koren to stay after it was determined that he failed in his capacity as commander is an insult to the rule of law and the Druze public," Whbee said. "Only by transferring Koren from his position will the police be able to rehabilitate its relationship with the Druze sect."

The committee's report singles out 12 individual officers who took part in the operation and puts forward recommendations based on an examination of their conduct.

The Peki'in riots broke out in late October 2007 after enraged residents set out to protest the installation of a cellular antenna in a newly developed part of the town. In the ensuing confrontation with police units sent into the town, 29 policemen were wounded as well as 13 Druze residents and a number of Magen David Adom paramedics.

A policewoman who was taken hostage by a number of residents was peacefully extracted in coordination with local clerics.

'Policemen risked their lives'

The committee did not deal with the circumstances surrounding the use of live fire and the subsequent injuries inflicted on the rioters – these matters were left to the discretion of Internal Affairs.

The committee determined that the police operation failed to achieve its objectives and said that the most likely reason for the extent of the failure was the loss of the element of surprise, as the operation was revealed ahead of time. The committee also said that police should have factored the intelligence data available to them into their planning of the operation.

At the height of the riots, the committee charged, troops on the ground found themselves without a suitable authority to command them.

The committee also recommended issuing a number of commendations for policemen whose performance was admirable as well as for several Peki'in residents who, the committee said, risked their lives to help

the police.

Left-wing MKs, in particular those belonging to the Arab parties, slammed the police operation after the riots and claimed officers used excessive force against the rioters.