Police Commissioner Slams National Security Minister Over Budget Freeze

Police Commissioner Danny Levi sent a sharp letter to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday, warning that the minister's continued withholding of funds designated for the Israel Police is harming the force's operational capabilities and endangering public safety.

In his letter, Levi stated, "I wish to reiterate that the delay in budgets allocated to the Israel Police, as legally mandated, is effectively and immediately harming the functioning of the Israel Police, service to the citizen, and the security of the state and the public." He emphasized that the situation, where dedicated police budgets are being held up by Ben-Gvir's ministry, cannot continue, prioritizing the welfare of Israeli citizens and police officers.

The Commissioner detailed the severe consequences of the budget freeze, explaining it would impair the police's ability to respond to incidents and citizen calls, thwart terror and crime prevention efforts, hinder law enforcement, and reduce capacity to prevent road accidents, among other critical functions.

In response, Minister Ben-Gvir released a video statement dismissing Levi's claims about the budget. Ben-Gvir asserted that the core dispute is not about funding, claiming he has been the minister who brought the most money to the police and raised officers' salaries. Instead, he alleged the conflict stems from appointments during an election period and what he described as the Commissioner being "blackmailed" by the Attorney General. Ben-Gvir specifically mentioned the Attorney General's demand that Levi immediately promote Tamar Liberty, a former aide to ex-Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich, whom Ben-Gvir implied is close to the Attorney General.