A senior Israel Police officer who admitted to throwing stun grenades at anti-government protesters during the 2023 judicial overhaul demonstrations will not carry a criminal conviction, after a Tel Aviv court on Thursday accepted his request for non-conviction despite an earlier finding him guilty.
Supt. Meir Swissa, who served at the time as operations officer of the Tel Aviv District, was initially convicted earlier in the day of reckless and negligent conduct under an amended indictment, following a plea agreement with the Justice Ministry’s Police Investigations Department (PID). However, in a later ruling, the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court annulled the conviction, clearing the way for Swissa to continue advancing within the police force.
Judge Yaron Gat ruled that while the offense was serious, it did not reach the highest threshold of severity and justified an exceptional outcome in light of Swissa’s long-standing service record. The court cited the disproportionate harm a standing conviction would cause to his career, reputation, and personal well-being.
“The defendant is a capable, respected, and worthy officer,” the judge wrote, adding that the incident underlying the amended indictment constituted “an exceptional and irregular event” in the conduct of a veteran police commander. The court further noted the reputational damage caused to Swissa, as well as harm to his physical and mental health and the impact on his family.
The ruling marked a sharp reversal following PID’s objection to non-conviction. Prosecutors argued that the public interest required a clear criminal conviction alongside a meaningful penalty, stressing that the case drew a firm line regarding the lawful use of force during demonstrations.
According to PID, Swissa ordered the use of stun grenades in violation of police procedures at a time when demonstrators were not engaging in violence. Investigators said grenades were thrown into a densely packed crowd, preventing control over their landing points and exposing protesters - including elderly demonstrators - to serious risk. Two women were injured in the incident.
“This case sets a clear boundary,” PID wrote in its submission. “Even during protests and under pressure, the use of force must comply with the law and procedures. Those who deviate and act negligently must bear responsibility.” PID added that the case led to a tightening of police protocols governing the use of stun grenades, underscoring its broader significance.
The indictment was filed in July 2024 following a months-long investigation that included the review of more than 200 video recordings of the incident, a detail first reported by Ynet. As part of the plea agreement, Swissa was convicted on a single count, while additional charges were dropped.
PID had also raised concerns earlier this week regarding the sincerity of Swissa’s admission, telling the court that his post-plea arguments suggested the confession may not have been genuine - though prosecutors ultimately did not withdraw from the agreement.
Ben-Gvir attempted to promote Swissa despite pending criminal proceedings
Arguments over sentencing are currently underway. PID is seeking a custodial sentence of several months, according to Walla.
The case has drawn significant political attention due to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s effort to promote Swissa to the rank of chief superintendent and appoint him commander of the Tel Aviv South police station while the criminal proceedings were pending. The Jerusalem District Court had previously frozen the promotion, ruling that Swissa could not be advanced while standing trial - a barrier now removed following Thursday’s decision.
During administrative proceedings related to the promotion, Ben-Gvir publicly defended Swissa, accusing the courts and police investigators of persecuting officers who confront what he described as “anarchists” in the streets.
Charges against four additional officers initially named in the case were canceled earlier. Three were disciplined internally and fined NIS 1,500 each, while the fourth signed a conditional arrangement under which criminal prosecution was avoided. Under such an agreement, the cases of three other officers were transferred to police disciplinary proceedings.
PID said it is studying the court’s decision and weighing its next steps.