Police Commissioner Warns National Security Minister Over Budget Delays

Police Commissioner Danny Levi has issued a sharp warning to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating that delayed budgets are severely impacting the police's operational capabilities, public service, and national security. In a letter also sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Levi emphasized that the current situation, where dedicated police funds are held up at the ministry, cannot continue.

According to Levi, out of NIS 450 million allocated for 2026 and temporarily placed under the National Security Ministry's regulations, only NIS 117 million has been transferred to the police. The remaining NIS 333 million remains unreleased. Levi asserted that extensive discussions have taken place, detailed plans have been presented, and no professional reservations from the ministry remain unaddressed.

The commissioner detailed the severe operational consequences of these delays. NIS 88 million intended for the purchase of approximately 330 patrol cars and operational vehicles to replace aging fleets has been held up. This delay hinders the police's ability to respond to citizen calls, thwart criminal and terrorist incidents, enforce law and order, and prevent road accidents. Levi stated he would not allow prioritization of other units over police stations under the current circumstances.

Furthermore, NIS 205 million designated for construction and renovation projects, primarily for police facilities and stations, is also delayed. This hold-up will force the police to issue stop-work orders to contractors on projects like the stations in Kafr Qasim, Oz, Sderot, Kiryat Ata, and the Yehudai facility, leading to significant public fund losses due to construction site damage. The procurement of operational equipment, including weapons, vests, and helmets for new units like the National Guard and regional SWAT teams, as well as for additional personnel at stations, is also affected.

Levi warned that with the budget year nearing its close and long delivery times, the delays are already expected to result in a horizontal cut of about 12% in committed surpluses next year by the Budget Division. He urged the immediate release of the funds to the police.