Police Officers Outraged at National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Over Budget Freeze

Police officers are expressing anger over the actions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating his conduct is harming the police force, particularly concerning a budget freeze that was recently revealed. This comes amid escalating tensions between Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, marked by heated exchanges and mutual accusations.

Sources within the police told Kan News that Ben-Gvir's behavior "harms police officers and weakens the police." They allege that the minister is creating an "end-run around the commissioner" for budget allocation, citing a half-year delay in approving funds for new patrol cars that had already been earmarked for stations and officers based on professional prioritization. "The minister wants to interfere even in this and distribute the vehicles and budgets himself to signal to commanders who will serve him will be rewarded and vice versa," the sources sharply criticized, questioning the precedent of a minister withholding essential ministry budgets for six months.

Earlier this week, Kan News reported that Ben-Gvir was holding up hundreds of millions of shekels intended for the police, which were stuck in the Ministry of National Security. This budget, approved six months prior for the purchase of new patrol vehicles, is delayed in its transfer from the Treasury to the Ministry of National Security and then to the police. The delay hinders the replacement of old vehicles and the acquisition of new ones, as the procurement process itself is time-consuming.

Police sources previously told Kan News that Ben-Gvir was using the budget as leverage against the commissioner in unrelated disputes. "He fights protection rackets while simultaneously operating protection rackets on the police," they accused. "There are patrol cars with over 200,000 kilometers, worn-out equipment, and the police are forced to rent cars for officers because there are no patrol vehicles, and Ben-Gvir is delaying the budget because of his games."

Sources close to Minister Ben-Gvir rejected these claims, stating the money would not be transferred until its destination is examined. "There will be no showy celebrations at the expense of the field," they said. "Money the minister transferred was allocated for upgrading vehicles for the commissioner and staff instead of resources going to the field and serving the officers. The commissioner and his associates are taking for themselves and using the money, and this is unacceptable to the minister."