Israel Police suspended Yoav Eliasi, a right-wing activist and musician known as "The Shadow," after published recordings allegedly showed him boasting of close ties to police officers and claiming influence that kept an entertainment venue open. Eliasi is heard asking that any police contact be routed to him and naming an officer he called a close contact. Following the report, his service weapon was confiscated and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened a review; Eliasi's lawyers say he has voluntarily frozen his service pending the inquiry.
Israel Police Suspend Activist Yoav Eliasi After Recordings Alleging Ties to Officers
Israeli rapper Yoav "HaTzel (The Shadow)" Eliasi (photo credit: Lahav Harkov)
Israel Police Commissioner Inspector-General Danny Levy has suspended right-wing activist and musician Yoav Eliasi, known as "The Shadow," from his role as commander of a Tel Aviv District rapid response squad after audio recordings published by Haaretz allegedly showed Eliasi claiming close ties to police officers.
What the Recordings Allege
The report includes audio in which Eliasi is heard saying he ensured an entertainment venue he was connected to "cannot be touched" and requesting that any police contact be routed to him immediately, day or night. When told officers had ordered the venue closed at night following a violent incident, Eliasi allegedly demanded to know which officer handled the case and said he would speak with that officer personally.
In the recordings Eliasi reportedly says: "This club cannot be touched." He also names an officer identified in the report as Menashe Mansour, adding, "Menashe is a friend like a brother, I will speak with him now."
Police Response and Internal Review
Following the publication of the recordings, Eliasi's service weapon was confiscated and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened a review of the information described in the report. The suspension was announced as part of those administrative steps while investigators examine the matter.
Police chief Danny Levy seen during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
Allegations From Venue Staff
Employees and security staff at the entertainment complex told investigators they had been instructed to contact Eliasi whenever police intervened. Idan Harpak, the venue's head of security who was injured in a stabbing there, testified that staff were told to phone Eliasi in the event of police action and believed his connections helped the complex remain open despite serious incidents.
Business Links
The report also states that Eliasi was once a shareholder in the Q Gallery restaurant, which operates above the John Doe nightclub. Corporate records published with the report indicate Eliasi held shares through a family-owned company before those shares were transferred back to his brother, Itamar, who is now listed as the company's sole owner.
Response From Eliasi's Lawyers
Attorneys Ariel Atari and Yaniv Lankri, representing Eliasi, said the police commissioner did not formally remove him from his post and described Eliasi as a chief superintendent devoted to public security. They said they expect an orderly process in which Eliasi can present his side and added that "Mr. Eliasi chose to freeze his service, on his own initiative, until the examination is completed." The lawyers insisted Eliasi has been "meticulous about upholding the law" and expects to return to command if cleared.
The Police Internal Investigations Department's review will determine whether the recordings and related allegations warrant further disciplinary or criminal action. For now, administrative restrictions, including confiscation of Eliasi's firearm, remain in place while inquiries continue.
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