Israel's National Security Minister Clashes With Police Chief Over Appointments and Budget

A significant conflict has erupted between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Inspector General Dani Levi, escalating into open confrontation ahead of upcoming elections. According to Channel Kan, Ben-Gvir has frozen budget funds, using them as leverage against the police leadership. The dispute intensified after senior police officials held a meeting concerning personnel changes, defying a direct prohibition from the Ministry of National Security. i24NEWS reports that Ben-Gvir sent a sharp letter to Levi, accusing him of creating false expectations of imminent promotions among junior officers. The minister has decreed that no promotions will occur before the elections. A statement released on behalf of Ben-Gvir explained that appointing senior officials approximately six weeks before elections is inappropriate, as it could be perceived by the public as an attempt to present a fait accompli.

Ben-Gvir is reportedly particularly displeased with the advancement of officers to key positions, specifically citing an approved appointment of a deputy legal advisor for the police. Ben-Gvir's associates view this move as a clandestine agreement with the Ministry of Justice to secure other personnel posts. Conversely, high-ranking sources within the Inspector General's office dismiss these accusations as absurd, asserting that all personnel changes are routine. Channel Reshet 13 indicates that police officials believe Ben-Gvir's arguments about freezing appointments are merely a pretext for political pressure.

Further exacerbating the situation, Ben-Gvir's ministry, or according to other reports the Ministry of Finance, has frozen hundreds of millions of shekels allocated for updating the police vehicle fleet. Channel 11 reports that the National Security Minister is withholding these funds as leverage over the Inspector General. Employees suggest that Ben-Gvir desires to control the distribution of budgets and positions, signaling that loyalty to him will be rewarded, and disloyalty punished.