Elite Police Unit Fighters Rebel Against National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Over Housing

Fighters from the elite Gideonim unit within Lahav 433, a special investigations unit of the Israel Police, are expressing outrage over their living conditions, with some reportedly forced to sleep on couches and in tents. This protest comes amid a budget dispute and a perceived contradiction between statements made by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the reality on the ground.

Ben-Gvir had previously stated that frontline officers would not suffer due to budget disagreements and that his ministry would directly procure urgent needs, including police facility renovations. However, the Gideonim fighters view the current housing situation as a direct refutation of this promise. They have conveyed a strong message to Police Commissioner Danny Levy, stating, "When you come to visit us, don't bring the Minister with you anymore. We don't want to see him. If this is how he takes care of us, we are not interested in his visits. He is waging war on our backs."

The fighters emphasized their critical role in Israel's security, questioning why funds are unavailable for renovating their living quarters when they contribute significantly to the nation's safety. They highlighted their recent operations, which they claim allowed Israelis to feel secure during the recent Rosh Hashanah holiday, contrasting this with the lack of basic amenities for themselves.

The dispute also involves Ben-Gvir's criticism of certain police budget requests, which he deemed non-urgent. These included a NIS 7 million request for Lahav 433 renovations that began last year without approval, an NIS 80 million demand for a new police commissioner's "showy bunker," and the procurement of hundreds of administrative vehicles. The minister argued these were less pressing than other needs.