Police Chief Disputes Minister Ben-Gvir's Claims on Crime Reduction in Arab Society

A dispute has erupted between Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi over who deserves credit for a reported decrease in crime within Arab society. Ben-Gvir claimed in a radio interview that crime incidents have dropped significantly since the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) became involved in addressing the issue, citing an 18-incident reduction.

However, police sources close to Commissioner Levi strongly refuted Ben-Gvir's assertion, stating that the Shin Bet has not yet begun its operational involvement in combating crime. These sources accused the minister of misrepresenting the situation and attributing the police's achievements to the Shin Bet, thereby misleading the public.

Contradicting the police's stance, sources within the Shin Bet confirmed to Channel 14 that the agency has been actively engaged for an extended period in efforts related to crime in Arab society. Their involvement reportedly includes thwarting arms and drug smuggling operations and combating the illicit arms trade.

This public disagreement highlights a growing tension between the Ministry of National Security and the Israel Police, particularly concerning the allocation of credit for security successes. The police have not yet issued an official response to the latest developments in this dispute.