JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and a number of other senior police officers are expected to be notified within weeks by the state commission of inquiry investigating the 2021 Mount Meron disaster that they are likely to be held responsible for the disaster, which saw 45 people killed in a deadly crush, according to a report by Ynet Wednesday.
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On Monday, Superintendent Shimon Lavi, Northern District police commander, resigned from the police, citing his role in the tragic event. Lavi had been the only officer after the disaster to take responsibility for the tragedy, although he stressed at the time that responsibility could not be equated with guilt.
Senior members of the law enforcement system told Ynet reporters that several high-ranking officials will soon receive warning letters from the committee, pointing to aspects of their conduct before and during the tragedy, which the committee believes they should be held accountable for. Both Lavi and Shabtai are believed to be among those to be receiving the warning letters.
Despite this, officials close to Shabtai said that he does not intend to resign. The forum of bereaved families responded, stating that “if the Police Commissioner will resign only after receiving a letter from the commission of enquiry, that would not be taking responsibility but rather falling down the stairs. If he doesn’t resign, he will be declaring that he does not recognize the judicial system. This is his last chance to do the minimum required – and take responsibility.”
The warning letters mean that those receiving them should consult with lawyers, present their version of events and bring proofs to the commission as they could be implicated in the conclusions of the commission.
The conclusions are not criminal charges but could recommend pressing criminal charges against those implicated. The recommendations also usually pertain to the continued service of those implicated.
Why was there such a sudden build up, this question remains. There must have been some gate either to the right or left of the stairs.
would any Charedi politicians who put pressure on police for years to look the other way and fought against the government attempts to control the safety be held accountable??
do we ever hold OUR leaders accountable? do we even have such a concept of accountability?
the police failed to stand up to political pressures, and allowed safety regulations, and common sense, to be ignored. but the real responsibility lies with those who use political pressure to undermine the police and get special treatment for hareidim. until the police are able to do their jobs without interference, such tragedies are going to happen again.