Police Commissioner Warns of National Security Risks Amid Budget Dispute

Police Commissioner Danny Levi has sent a sharp letter to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with a copy to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the immediate release of NIS 333 million in police funding. Levi warned that the delay in transferring the promised budget, part of the 2026 fiscal plan, is already harming the police's operational capabilities and national security.

The commissioner stated that the withheld funds are crucial for purchasing hundreds of operational vehicles, renovating police stations, and equipping officers. He cautioned that without the money, the police's ability to respond to civilian calls, reach incident scenes, and thwart terrorist and criminal activities will be significantly impaired. Levi emphasized that the current situation, where designated police budgets are being held up by the Ministry of National Security, cannot continue.

This dispute escalates the ongoing conflict between Ben-Gvir and Levi, which began over police appointments. Ben-Gvir had previously announced a freeze on most appointments during the election period, a move Levi defied by proceeding with planned promotions. In response, Ben-Gvir reportedly delayed the release of hundreds of millions of shekels allocated to the police.

According to Levi's letter, the 2026 police budget includes NIS 450 million temporarily held by the ministry pending approval of detailed police plans. While NIS 117 million has been released, the remaining NIS 333 million remains unallocated. Levi detailed the potential consequences, including the inability to replace approximately 330 aging operational vehicles and the possible halting of construction and renovation projects at several police stations, including those in Kafr Qasim, Sderot, and Kiryat Ata.

Levi concluded his letter by directly addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting the severe implications for national security and the police's ability to fulfill its duties. He urged immediate action to release the necessary funds for the benefit of both the police and the State of Israel. The letter follows a recent exchange where Levi urged Ben-Gvir to approve officer ranks and the budget, while Ben-Gvir accused him of trying to turn the police into a puppet of the Attorney General.