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

A significant dispute has erupted between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi, escalating ahead of the Knesset elections. The conflict centers on the delayed transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels to the police force and disagreements over senior officer appointments and promotions. In a letter to Ben-Gvir, with a copy sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Levi warned that withholding budgets severely impacts the police's operational capabilities and public service delivery.

Levi stated that while the Ministry of Finance approved 450 million shekels for the police in 2026, only 117 million have been transferred, leaving 333 million shekels pending. These withheld funds include 88 million shekels designated for acquiring approximately 330 vehicles and patrol cars, and 205 million shekels for constructing and renovating police stations and facilities. The commissioner cautioned that further delays could halt construction projects, postpone the purchase of operational equipment like weapons and protective gear, and potentially lead to the loss of funds as the fiscal year concludes.

Minister Ben-Gvir, however, asserted that the core issue is not the budget, claiming he has increased police funding and salaries. He contends the real dispute lies in appointments during the election period. Ben-Gvir accused Levi of yielding to the Attorney General, alleging pressure to promote a female officer who previously served in the former Inspector General's office and attempting to impose unsuitable appointments before the elections.

Levi maintains that appointments and promotions should be based on the professional recommendations of police leadership. Ben-Gvir, conversely, believes the final decision rests with him as the responsible minister. The conflict also involves Ben-Gvir's efforts to promote an officer in charge of armed readiness units while withholding other promotions recommended by the force's command. A dispute also arose over the promotion of the commander for Jerusalem's 'David' district, responsible for the Old City and the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif.

This escalating confrontation highlights a broader struggle over the boundaries of the minister's political influence versus the professional independence of the police leadership. The timing, with Knesset elections approaching, makes the issue of appointments particularly sensitive within Israel's security apparatus.