Cohen. Public's trust important
Photo: Hagai Aharon
A routine Shabbat in Jerusalem: Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men, including quite a few children, demonstrated on Saturday against the opening of a parking lot in the capital on the Jewish holy day. They blocked roads and clashed with police forces in particularly impolite ways, which included tossing eggs and plastic bottles. Several people were injured and arrested.
Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen says he has no plans to turn a blind eye to the situation. "Every public in the State of Israel has the right to protest," Cohen said Sunday morning, "but at the end of the day, there will be zero tolerance to 'Nazi' chants and spitting at policemen."
'Any public's right' (Photo: AP)
As for the dispute over the parking lot, the police chief said the matter must be solved between the Jerusalem Municipality and the protesting haredi community.
"In any case, we will always be there to handle the event. I believe the way the Israel Police are dealing with this is the most professional and correct way, with a lot of tolerance and patience. But the solution must be between the two sides," Cohen said.
'In simple words: I'm concerned'
In light of the recent wave of violence, the police commissioner gave a special interview to Israel Radio and Army Radio on Sunday morning.
"I believe the violence issue should be at the top of the agenda of the public, government offices and the Israel Police – and it really is in our hands," he said. We are not free of responsibility, and a great part of dealing with this is in the police's hands.
"I'm telling you in simple words that I, as a citizen and a policeman, am concerned," Cohen continued. "I don't think these incidents should be ignored, but at the end of the process – the public's faith in the police is very important, fully supporting the working police officers. I, as the police chief, give daily backing, every hour, in all of the Israel Police's areas of action, everywhere and in every station."
Cohen added, however, that "when dealing with violence – the police are not alone. There are many other elements dealing with the violence issue, starting with schools, education through the parents, through the legal system, and perhaps most importantly – the Israel Police."
The police chief was also asked about the murder of two youths at a club belonging to the gay and lesbian community in Tel Aviv, one month ago. Cohen did not elaborate on the investigation, due to a gag order, but said that "it was one of the most difficult incidents I've ever seen."
As for the shortage of police forces on the streets, Cohen said, "The claim may be justified, but I believe we are not interested in living in a country which is not free and not democratic. Police stations have been reinforced with 1,000 policemen recently. Over-enforcement is a two-edged swords, and I believe it can hurt the free movement of the State's residents."