Acting Israel Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Moti Cohen sent a message to police officers on Wednesday ahead of another wave of protests by Ethiopian Israelis, after protests on Tuesday turned violent, referring to protesters as "lawbreakers," Israel Hayom has learned.
Cohen's message read: "We are in the midst of an ongoing national police mission, one that is important and complicated. As the police force of a democratic, law-abiding state, we are obligated to preserve the delicate balance between allowing legitimate protests and cracking down on those who break the law. As professionals, we are obligated to restraint and containment," Cohen stated.
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The acting police chief discussed violence perpetrated against police officers by protesters on Tuesday, and said, "There is the law and there is a way to protest. Along with the rights of the demonstrators, there is an obligation to uphold the rights of the public and the citizens. There is no place for attacks on representatives of the government, on institutions, or against property, and there is certainly no place for unchecked rampaging.
"In the past two days … you, the police, have conducted yourselves admirably, with determination, professionalism, and bravery. Some of you were even wounded during violent protests and continued to function alongside your comrades."
Cohen said that some of the demonstrators "exploited our willingness to allow legitimate protests, and were very violent with police and civilians as they rioted and blocked roads. We will now allow riots, roadblocks, or violence. We will continue to be careful about proportionality and in differentiating between those who want to protest, as is their legal right in a democratic state, and those who incite to and perpetrate violence."
Cohen warned police that the protests were not over and they would face "additional challenges." He said he trusted the police force to continue acting professionally and sent his wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.
Earlier Wednesday, the father of Solomon Tekah, a young Ethiopian Israel who was fatally shot by a police officer in Kiryat Haim on Sunday, sparking the current protests, called on activists to avoid violence.
"I want to thank the Israeli people for their support of us. I'm asking the demonstrators not to use violence, and I am calling on the police to behave with restraint and tolerance. I can't have my son back, but we want there to be a fair trial and a just legal system. Let my son be the last, and no more children be killed," David Tekah said.
Meanwhile, new chairman of the far-Left Meretz party Nitzan Horowitz said Wednesday in a Facebook post that Tuesday's protests were "mild compared to what happened," referring to police violence against the community.
"Everyone should support these protests because it's not only for the Ethiopian community; it's a fight for our freedom to live in this country without fear," Horowitz wrote.
"This protest could not be more justified. But there are already those who are calling it 'wild and dangerous.' They do the same for every protest, by the way. Always. Because they simply can't stand protests and want everyone to keep their heads down," Horowitz continued.
Horowitz said that the people who were "wild and dangerous" were the "police who fired without reason, who beat civilians."
