Police Commanders Warn Ben-Gvir of Holiday Service Shortages Amid Appointment Freeze

Senior police commanders have issued a stark warning to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi, stating that ongoing freezes on appointments and budgets will severely compromise the force's ability to respond to public needs during the upcoming High Holidays and potential election periods. The commanders expressed concern that without the promised resources, including operational vehicles, the police will be unable to provide adequate services to Israeli citizens.

This warning comes amid an escalating dispute between Minister Ben-Gvir and Commissioner Levi. Sources indicate that Commissioner Levi met with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to explore options for proceeding with rank promotions and assignments, a process Ben-Gvir has ordered frozen. Such a move by Levi could potentially bypass Ben-Gvir's directive.

Sources close to Ben-Gvir have criticized the Commissioner's potential actions, viewing them as succumbing to the Attorney General's demands. Conversely, senior police officials are urging Ben-Gvir to approve the stalled appointments and budgets, emphasizing the necessity for the police to maintain optimal service for the public, especially ahead of the Jewish New Year.

The commanders' message highlights the critical juncture the police face, with the High Holidays, a period of heightened public activity and security needs, rapidly approaching. They stressed that the current situation, if unaddressed, jeopardizes the force's operational readiness and its capacity to fulfill its duties effectively.