Israel's National Security Minister and Police Chief Clash Over Appointments and Budgets

A significant dispute has erupted between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi, escalating on Wednesday. The conflict centers on police appointments and the transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels in budgets, with mutual accusations of interference in police operations ahead of the Knesset elections.

Commissioner Levi sent a strongly worded letter to Minister Ben-Gvir, also copied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that withholding police budgets directly harms the force's operations and public services. Levi stated that while an agreement was reached with the Finance Ministry for 450 million shekels for 2026, with funds temporarily allocated to the National Security Ministry, only 117 million shekels have been received, leaving 333 million unallocated. He emphasized that the detained funds, including 88 million shekels for new patrol vehicles and 205 million for construction and renovation of police facilities in various locations, are crucial for maintaining operational capacity and public safety.

Minister Ben-Gvir, however, denied that the budget is the core issue, asserting that he has secured significant funding for the police. He claimed the dispute is primarily about appointments during the election period and accused the Police Commissioner of being subservient to the government's legal advisor. Ben-Gvir specifically criticized the legal advisor, whom he called "criminal," for allegedly pushing for the promotion of Officer Tamar Liberty, a former aide to the previous Police Commissioner. He stated he would not allow "strange appointments" on the eve of elections that violate proper administrative practices.

Sources within the police suggest Ben-Gvir is pushing for the promotion of Officer Nir Karmeli, head of the armed guard units, to brigadier general, while simultaneously blocking other recommended promotions. Ben-Gvir also reportedly pressured for the promotion of Dvir Tamim, commander of the Jerusalem district responsible for the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and the Old City, linking his approval of appointments to Tamim's promotion. Commissioner Levi has reportedly informed officers whose promotions were approved by police leadership that he would support them if they pursued legal action against Ben-Gvir's refusal to sign off on their appointments.

The conflict comes weeks before the Knesset elections, with police sources speculating that Levi aims to assert his professional independence from Ben-Gvir, anticipating potential changes in ministerial leadership post-election. Ben-Gvir, conversely, insists on halting new appointments during the election period, reserving exceptions for justified security needs.