Ben-Gvir Halts Police Funding Transfer, Citing Misuse Concerns

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has escalated his dispute with Police Commissioner Danny Levi, announcing that his ministry will directly procure urgent equipment for the police instead of transferring funds. The conflict centers on approximately 450 million shekels allocated for police needs.

Ben-Gvir stated in a letter to the commissioner's office that the funds belong to the Ministry of National Security, not the police budget. He claimed that while initially intended for vehicles and station construction, a review revealed some funds were earmarked for non-urgent projects, including a 7 million shekel renovation at Lahav 433, which he alleged began last year without approval. He also criticized requests for new vehicles for senior officers in the police and Border Police.

Consequently, Ben-Gvir announced a re-evaluation of fund allocation for the police, prison service, and fire department. "The Israel Police does not belong to the commissioner," he wrote, asserting that officers on the ground should not suffer due to "ostentatious projects or the desire of various elements to curry favor with the media."

Urgent police needs will still be funded, but through direct procurement by Ben-Gvir's ministry for operational vehicles or facility improvements. Ben-Gvir stated the goal is to "ensure appropriate and proper use of funds."

The move occurs amid ongoing tension between Ben-Gvir and Levi over the police budget, appointments, and promotions. Levi had previously criticized the delay of hundreds of millions of shekels, arguing it hampers the police's operational capabilities.