Border Police commander indicted over alleged violent and humiliating hazing of female officer

In a shocking incident at a Border Police base in Abu Dis, a commander named Itamar Karko has been indicted for allegedly engaging in violent and humiliating hazing of a female officer, according to prosecutors. The alleged assault occurred during a so-called "zuvor" game, a hazing ritual practiced within the unit. Karko, who was ordered to serve as a squad commander in the Judea and Samaria Division, is accused of assaulting and committing an indecent act against the female officer.

The indictment, filed by the Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI), details the events that took place at the Abu Dis base.

According to the indictment, on February 19, 2025, Karko and the female officer, both recently enlisted in the Border Police, went to a building used as a club for a "humiliating and violent initiation ceremony." Upon entering the club, Karko allegedly locked the door and blocked the handle with a broomstick. He then ordered the female officer to turn her back and place her hands on a refrigerator, which she complied with.

Karko began asking her questions and, each time she answered incorrectly, he allegedly punched her in the ribs approximately 15 times.

The indictment alleges that Karko continued to assault the officer by ordering her to remove her coat, pull her hair, and hit her in the stomach five more times when she gave incorrect answers. The incident took a sexual nature when Karko allegedly held the officer's face with both hands, sat on a chair with his legs apart, and forced her to approach him.

He pulled her hair forcefully until she fell to her knees between his legs while performing an indecent act without her consent. The officer managed to break free in panic and they left the club.