In early October 2006, the state filed a harsh indictment against three border policemen. The indictment charged them with abusing ‘Abd Tareq Ahrub, 18, a Palestinian from the West Bank, after catching him in the Old City of Jerusalem without a permit.1 According to the indictment, the three led Ahrub to an alleyway near the Jewish Quarter, grabbed him by force and began to beat him. First, the three policemen kicked him, then, after backing up, one of them rushed towards him, landing a sharp kick to his chest. One of the other policemen punched him in the face. Later on, while swearing at him, the three ordered Ahrub to empty his pockets and take off his shoes and belt. Then, the indictment states, one of the policemen struck him in the back with the belt buckle. After that, they ordered him to lift up his shirt, and one of the policemen squeezed his nipples with great force. The three then beat him in the face and chest, and, finally, forced him to kiss the Border Police symbol.

This incident is unusual, but also typical. It is unusual because Ahrub filed a complaint against the policemen, because the authorities investigated the complaint, and because the investigation led to an indictment. The incident was reported in the media.2 This, too, was unusual.

The case is typical because similar acts of abuse are, unfortunately, commonplace. This report is the result of research conducted following numerous reports to B’Tselem of violence by police officers and soldiers against Palestinians staying in Israel, or attempting to enter Israel, without the permits required under Israeli law. B’Tselem’s fieldworkers took dozens of testimonies in preparation for the report. The findings, presented below, show that, although the authorities condemn the cases of abuse exposed in the media, these cases are not the exception, but a mere sample of routine practices of cruelty and maltreatment. The findings also show that the practices are the appalling result of Israel’s policy of separation and closure, and of the failure of the authorities to properly supervise the manner in which their agents implement this policy.