Hadash MK Ofer Cassif stand on trial on Monday, June 9, for accusations of assaulting a cop at the Palestinian occupied territories three years ago. Racist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir arrived at the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court to show his support for the police officer who filed the complaint and is testifying against Cassif. “I will continue to back the heroic police officers, especially when it comes to a police officer who was attacked by the terror supporter Cassif,” Ben Gvir said.
“End the occupation,” MK Ofer Cassif at the huge demonstration to end the war and for the establishment of a Palestinian state, Haifa, May 31, 2025 (Photo: Zo Haderekh)
“Today I come to court not as a suspect in war crimes, not as someone dismantling the judicial system, not as someone abandoning the hostages to die in agony, but as an elected official who stands by his principles and commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace for both peoples,” Cassif said on Monday.
“The irony knows no bounds: the racist minister, a serial convict of supporting terror and violence, chose to come to court just to get a few more pictures. Three civilians were murdered just last night, 14 in a single week—and the minister who’s supposed to protect them is busy tweeting and cheap populism. I will not be silent. I will continue to fight to end the bloodshed, to end the occupation, and for a just and sane future for both peoples of this land.”
MK Cassif told Israel National News in court: “What’s important is that the bloody attack on Gaza stop immediately and that the hostages be released and that there will be an agreement of rehabilitation and reconciliation.”
“We believe the decision is mistaken, but every decision by the Attorney General’s Office must be respected. We will study the matter thoroughly and, of course, address it in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court,” Cassif’s attorney Daniel Haklai said in response to the indictment. “At the same time, we take this opportunity to call on the Attorney General to curb the wave of violence from elements within the Israel Police, inspired by the fascist Minister of Internal Security, aimed at suppressing important and legitimate protests against the Israeli government—protests that are at the core of the democratic regime and human rights in Israel.” Three years ago, Cassif was filmed during a discussion with police officer who blocked him from reaching a demonstration against the demolition of Palestinian buildings in At-Tuwani at Masafer Yatta southern Hebron hills.
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=31183
