Far-right rapper suspended from leading Tel Aviv volunteer cop squad over alleged misconduct

Yoav Eliasi, a far-right rapper known as “The Shadow,” is suspended from his position heading the Tel Aviv District’s civilian police volunteer squad, as police probe allegations that he abused his role to prevent the closure of a Tel Aviv nightclub he has a stake in.

Police chief Danny Levy opened an inquiry into the suspicions following a Haaretz expose claiming the rapper bragged about thwarting the closure of the John Doe nightclub on Tel Aviv’s bustling Rothschild Boulevard after a security guard was stabbed there in September.

At the time, Eliasi was a partner in a company that had a stake in the building where the club operates, according to Haaretz.

Citing audio recordings obtained the outlet, the report claims Eliasi told one of his business partners that he was “educating” the police “that they can’t touch this club.”

He further urged his partner to call him about any issues regarding the club’s relationship with law enforcement. “You call me right away, no matter the time,” he allegedly said.

Employees told the outlet that Eliasi, who has close ties to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, was able to ensure that the club was only shut down for a week, as opposed to the customary 21 days, following the September stabbing.

The rapper’s lawyers tell Haaretz and Channel 12 that he has not been officially ousted from his role, but instead chose to step aside until further notice as police continue their inquiry into the suspicions.