Police Commissioner Halts Meetings With National Security Minister Over Budget Dispute

Police Commissioner Danny Levi has escalated a conflict with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, announcing he will not meet with the minister until outstanding budgets are released and appointments are approved. In a sharp letter, Levi warned that the delays are already harming police operations and public safety, particularly with key appointments vacant during a period of war, elections, and the High Holidays.

The police budget for 2026 includes NIS 450 million for vehicle replacement, facility renovations, and operational equipment. However, Levi states only NIS 117 million has been transferred, leaving NIS 333 million unreleased. His office describes this as nearly half a billion shekels allocated for the police being held by the Ministry of National Security. The withheld funds are designated for critical needs, including replacing operational vehicles and renovating police stations in various locations across the country.

Levi's letter further cautioned that the lack of funds impairs the police's ability to respond to calls, counter terrorism and crime, enforce law and order, and prevent traffic accidents. Delays in construction and renovation projects could lead to work stoppages and loss of public funds. Additionally, funds for essential operational equipment like weapons, vests, and helmets for new personnel remain unreleased, potentially impacting the effectiveness of newly established units.

Levi's associates suggest the dispute is not about specific individuals but a systematic attempt at control by the minister. They emphasize that while the commissioner respects the minister's agenda, professional authority in certain matters rests with the commissioner. Levi intends to stand firm on his appointment decisions and the immediate release of police budgets, even planning to raise the issue at a security cabinet meeting.

Minister Ben-Gvir, however, rejected Levi's claims, asserting that the police budget has significantly increased and that substantial funds have already been transferred. He stated that the NIS 450 million in question is part of the Ministry of National Security's budget, not the police's, and is intended for broader ministry projects. Ben-Gvir alleged that the police requested funds for non-urgent projects, citing examples like a lavish pool for the commissioner and renovations at Lahav 433. He has decided to re-evaluate the allocation of funds across the police, prison service, and fire department, but assured that urgent needs of officers in the field would not be compromised. The ministry will directly procure necessary equipment if needed to ensure proper use of funds.