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

AUGUST 27, 2026 04:00What began, according to an indictment, as an “initiation ceremony” for a young female police officer at a Border Police base allegedly turned into a violent and humiliating incident.Israel’s Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI) filed an indictment on Wednesday with the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court against Itamar Karko, a Border Police squad commander in the Judea and Samaria Division, accusing him of assault and an indecent act against a female police officer who served with him.The indictment, filed by attorney Lidor Malko, details events that allegedly took place at the Abu Dis base. Karko enlisted in the Border Police in November 2023. The complainant, whose name is barred from publication and is referred to in the indictment as A., enlisted in the Border Police in August 2024. The two later served together at the base.According to the indictment, on the night of February 19, 2025, after the two had completed a joint shift, they went to a building at the base used as a club. The purpose of going there, according to the indictment, was to conduct a “humiliating and violent initiation ceremony” carried out by veteran police officers for younger officers as part of what was known in the unit as a “zuvor” game, a hazing ritual.Upon entering the club, Karko allegedly locked the door and blocked the handle with a broomstick.Illustrative: Police officers guard at a police checkpoint on Highway 90 not far from the Israeli border with Lebanon, October 11, 2024. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)Karko allegedly struck, sexually harassed the complainantAccording to the indictment, Karko initially ordered the female officer to turn her back toward him and place her hands on one of the refrigerators in the room. She complied as part of the same “zuvor” game, after which Karko began asking her questions. Each time she answered incorrectly, he allegedly punched her forcefully in the ribs. The DIPI claims this occurred on approximately 15 occasions.The indictment states that Karko later ordered her to turn around and remove the coat she was wearing. The questioning continued, and whenever she gave an incorrect answer, he allegedly punched her in the stomach. The DIPI attributes five additional blows to him in this manner.Karko then allegedly began pulling the officer’s hair whenever she answered incorrectly. At one point, he asked whether she was tired, and after she replied that she was not, he continued pulling her hair, according to the indictment.The indictment states that the incident later took on a sexual nature. Karko allegedly held the officer’s face with both hands and sat on a chair with his legs spread apart. He ordered her to approach him and then pulled her hair forcefully until she fell to her knees between his legs.While holding her face, Karko allegedly pulled her toward him and brought her face close to his genitals without her consent. According to the indictment, the officer managed to break free from his grip in panic and stood up. The two then left the club.The DIPI alleges that Karko unlawfully assaulted the officer and committed an act intended for sexual stimulation, gratification, or humiliation without her consent. The indictment charges him with assault and an indecent act.Follow us on Google