Cop-probing body investigating arrest of trio who placed hostage flyers at Likud MK’s synagogue

The Justice Ministry’s Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI) announces that it has launched a probe into the incident in which three women were arrested for placing leaflets on seats at MK Yuli Edelstein’s synagogue calling for the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

The women were questioned on suspicions including breaking and entering, but security footage showed that the synagogue was open when they entered to place the leaflets on congregants’ seats. One of the three said she was arrested and handcuffed at home in front of her young children.

Police said earlier today that “in light of the allegations” about the case’s handling, new police chief Daniel Levy had ordered a probe into the arresting officers’ conduct.

But the Kan public broadcaster says that probe will be halted now that DIPI has announced its own investigation.

A spokesperson for the State Prosecutor’s Office tells The Times of Israel that multiple probes into the same incident “usually” don’t continue in parallel, appearing to indicate the police probe is likely to close.

Jeremy Sharon contributed to this report.