The demonstrations by combat veterans in Jerusalem, which have been ongoing for about two weeks, took a turn on Monday after police arrested and allegedly punched protest leader Meir Kadush, a combat veteran of Operation Cast Lead.
In footage obtained by Walla, Kadush is seen being slammed to the ground by several officers while shouting at them: "I'm not resisting you, I'm a combat veteran." Despite his words, one of the officers is seen punching him in the face.
Kadush fell to the ground, screaming in pain and bleeding from his face. Before being brought in for questioning at the police station, he was rushed to the hospital after suffering a head injury.
Protesters at the scene clashed with police forces, with one of the officers responding, "He’s going crazy; no one is hitting him on purpose." However, the scene sparked an uproar among those present, who told the police, "We’re doing this protest for you too; tomorrow it could happen to anyone."
Officers from the Moriah station who had arrived at the protest area had frequently clarified to the demonstrators that their right to protest was preserved, as long as public order was not disrupted.
Israel Police, in response, stated: "For about two weeks, the suspect [Meir Kadush], along with others, has been protesting near the Knesset, with the police showing maximum restraint and engaging with them, without any unusual incidents."
"A few days ago, the police were called to the scene after he climbed the Knesset's fence and was caught by security guards. Police officers who arrived at the location, due to undisclosed circumstances, handed him a summons for later questioning. However, the suspect chose not to appear," Israel Police said.
Israel Police's statement continued: "Last night [Monday], he again disrupted public order, endangering the lives of bus passengers on a service line, after he caused damage by puncturing the bus tires with a sharp object. For the severity of his actions, and after he failed to appear for questioning about the previous incident, he was arrested. At this point, the suspect actively resisted, and force had to be used to complete the arrest."
"Due to the injury sustained during the arrest, he was transferred for medical treatment before questioning. Israel Police will show great patience and tolerance towards protesters, as long as they obey the law and do not endanger the safety and security of the general public."
Rising trauma among soldiers, reservists
The protests, which have been ongoing in recent weeks, demand government action to assist soldiers in coping with trauma resulting from their military service.
The IDF admitted that the increased suicide rate among soldiers and reservists is connected to Israel's ongoing multi-front war, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported in early August.
Most of the recent suicides among soldiers stem from traumatic experiences they were exposed to, the loss of comrades, and an inability to cope with the trauma, an internal investigation by the military found and was published by KAN.