National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Accuses Police Chief of Being Controlled by Attorney General

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir escalated his public dispute with Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, issuing a sharp statement on Wednesday accusing Shabtai of being "controlled by the Attorney General." Ben-Gvir asserted that the core of their disagreement is not about the police budget, but rather about appointments during the election period and Shabtai's dealings with the Attorney General's office.

"The heart of the dispute between me and the Police Commissioner is not related to the budget at all," Ben-Gvir stated. "I am the minister who brought the most money to the police and raised police salaries." He claimed the dispute concerns "appointments during elections, and the unfortunate fact that the Police Commissioner is controlled by the Attorney General, who demands he immediately promote her associate Tamar Liberty, who was the former chief of staff to former Commissioner Roni Alsheich."

Ben-Gvir further declared, "I will not allow the criminal Attorney General to put her fingers on the Israel Police and dictate appointments of associates to the Police Commissioner. Certainly not questionable appointments on election eve, contrary to all rules of proper administration."

Ben-Gvir's statement followed an earlier letter from Commissioner Shabtai to the minister, demanding the immediate release of 333 million shekels from the police budget, which Shabtai claimed was being held up by Ben-Gvir's ministry. Shabtai warned that the delay would prevent the purchase of approximately 330 patrol cars, halt construction and renovation of police stations, and impede the acquisition of weapons, vests, and helmets.

"A situation where dedicated budgets of the Israel Police are delayed in your ministry cannot, under any circumstances, continue," Shabtai wrote, adding that the delay harms the police's ability to respond to incidents, thwart terrorism and crime, and enforce law and order. The letter was also sent to the Finance Minister and the National Security Council head, with a copy forwarded to the Prime Minister.