Ben-Gvir Accuses Top Cop of Being Controlled by Attorney General Amid Budget Dispute

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly accused Police Commissioner Danny Levy on Wednesday of being controlled by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Ben-Gvir stated that the dispute with Levy is not about budget delays, but rather about appointments during an election period and the commissioner's alleged subservience to the attorney general.

In a statement, Ben-Gvir claimed Levy is acting on Baharav-Miara's instructions to promote an associate of hers. "I will not allow the criminal attorney general to put her hands on the Israel Police and dictate to the commissioner the appointment of her associates, certainly not questionable appointments on the eve of an election, contrary to all proper administration rules," the statement read.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Ben-Gvir is withholding NIS 333 million from the Treasury intended for the police, a budget approved six months ago for the purchase of new police vehicles. The funds are currently held by the Ministry of National Security. This delay is hindering the replacement of old patrol cars and the acquisition of new ones, as the procurement process itself is lengthy.

The budget delay comes amid a public confrontation between Ben-Gvir and Levy. Ben-Gvir did not attend a police commendation ceremony on Wednesday. Sources in the Police Commissioner's office described the budget as critical for the police's operational function and stated that Ben-Gvir's actions are harming the police. Police sources also told Kan News that Ben-Gvir's conduct is hurting officers and weakening the force, creating an "end-run around the commissioner" for budget transfers, even though the vehicle budget was approved half a year ago and vehicles were allocated based on professional prioritization.

Further complicating matters, Ben-Gvir was also expected to sign off on promotions on Wednesday, but this was reportedly canceled due to disagreements with the commissioner.