Ben-Gvir Withholds Police Funds Amid Appointment Dispute

Tensions between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai have escalated over budget allocations and appointments, threatening a significant rift. The current dispute centers on the police's operational budget, with Ben-Gvir reportedly withholding equipment funds after Shabtai failed to approve a series of appointments.

In a move that has intensified the conflict, Ben-Gvir redirected 130 million shekels from the police's budget to purchase a helicopter for the fire services. Commissioner Shabtai stated that the funds were intended for strengthening the police, while sources close to Ben-Gvir asserted the minister's prerogative to decide on fund allocation. Ben-Gvir's office indicated that he would approve some appointments, including district commanders for the Ayalon and Sharon regions.

Last week, Shabtai sent a letter to Ben-Gvir, copied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that the delayed budgets were immediately harming police operations, public service, and national security. He highlighted that out of a 450 million shekel budget for 2026, only 117 million had been released, leaving 333 million pending. The commissioner emphasized that professional staff had addressed all concerns and that the delays would impact the acquisition of approximately 330 patrol cars and operational vehicles, as well as construction and renovation projects for police stations.

Ben-Gvir countered that the core issue was not the budget, which he claimed to have increased, but rather appointments during an election period. He accused Shabtai of being influenced by the Attorney General, who he alleged was pushing for the appointment of her associate, Tamar Liberty, a former aide to ex-commissioner Roni Alsheich. Ben-Gvir stated he would not allow the Attorney General to dictate police appointments, especially questionable ones before an election.

In a separate letter, Ben-Gvir asserted his sole authority over police appointments, rejecting the influence of the Attorney General. He claimed Shabtai initially agreed to postpone appointments due to election sensitivities, influenced by the Attorney General's office, but later changed his stance after pressure to appoint Liberty as deputy legal advisor to the police. Ben-Gvir accused Shabtai of misleading officers about pending appointments and creating a cynical situation for them and their families, while acknowledging that security-related appointments could still be considered under exceptional circumstances.