Reservist soldier arrested at protest for hostages outside home of Likud minister

Police on Saturday arrested a reservist soldier in an elite unit for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest calling for a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza held outside the home of Education Minister Yoav Kisch in central Israel’s Hod Hasharon.

The protest took place as part of Saturday’s planned major demonstrations in city squares and near the homes of government officials to pressure them to agree to a ceasefire deal that would return the 48 hostages that remain in captivity and end the war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip for over 700 days.

Police alleged that the protester did not obey an order to walk away from the gates in front of the minister’s house, and then raised his hand and threw a punch at an officer.

Hebrew media reports added that the man had previously filed complaints with police for violence against protesters, and that the arresting officer on Saturday was the subject of a prior complaint filed by the protester.

The protester was transferred to the Petah Tikva police station for questioning, and officers then raided his home and confiscated his service weapons, the reports said, adding that the man had been set to deploy for reserve service on Sunday.

The Haaretz daily reported that the protester claims he raised his hand to defend other protesters after an officer started pushing a physical barrier toward them, and that he was arrested immediately after doing so.

Responding to requests for comment, Israel Police said the protester “breached public order and was arrested after assaulting a police officer.”

“In accordance with the severity of the offense, the suspect was arrested and transferred for questioning at the police station,” police said.