Channel 10 investigative reporters Shai Kotzer and Yana Pavzner set out on Tuesday to Mount Herzl, seeking to approach the grave of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin as a memorial ceremony marking 13 years since his assassination was taking place. A number of senior government officials were attending the memorial.

The two were working for Amnon Levy, the host of the “Shomer Masach” program when they were detected by border police. Police were suspicious and decided to check the two out. As they were obtaining information, Kotzer stood up from his wheelchair and identified himself. During a search, police found he was in possession of a plastic gun and a chisel. They were not amused by his journalistic mission and the two were taken into a police station for further questioning.

Ettie Dankner, the show’s producer explains that following ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) announcements that security for senior officials is being increased. The team was dispatched to determine the effectiveness of the new heightened security. Dankner stated that authorities at Mt. Herzl were pleased that the two were detected. She points out however that a day earlier, another investigator who was sent to Mevassret Tzion walked right by all the security agents and began speaking with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

ISA officials had harsh words for Channel 10’s attempt to evaluate the security around senior ministers, calling the move dangerous. In addition, they condemned the “cynical use” of a disabled person in a wheelchair to accomplish this. Officials are contemplating criminal charges against the two.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)