Yirmi Olmert (archives)
צילום: עופר עמרם
Former PM's brother suspected of assaulting sports reporter
Yirmi Olmert detained after allegedly punching journalist Omer Benovich. Motive unclear. Basketball League head: There is no place for violence, on or off the court
Former Basketball League Chairman Yirmi Olmert, brother of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, was detained by the police Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting sports journalist Omer Benovich during a basketball game in Ganei Tikvah.
Benovich sustained light wounds to his face after Olmert allegedly punched him. He was taken to Hasharon Hospital in Petah Tikva. The motive remains unclear at this time.
A Basketball League statement released following the incident said that the organization "regrets this incident. The League condemns any act of violence, regardless of it relevance to the game."
Shai Shani, head of the Israeli Basketball Association, told Ynet that while he attended the game, he did not witness the incident. "I know both parties and don't wish to speculate. We condemn all acts of violence. There is no place for it, on or off the court."
Avi Bar, chairman of the Sports Channel: "This is a very serious incident and we will not stand for it. I expect the police to investigate in full and wish Omer Benovich a speedy recovery."
Avner Kopel, chairman of the Israeli Basketball Super League also condemned the incident, calling it "unfortunate."
