Ben-Gvir Accuses Top Cop of Being 'Blackmailed' by Attorney General

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly accused Police Commissioner Dani Levy of being "blackmailed" by the Attorney General, claiming Levy has "taken a side" ahead of upcoming elections and is interfering with police appointments. Ben-Gvir alleged that the Attorney General "shouts at him, humiliates him in a closed room, and some say she holds various things over him." He suggested Levy's alleged change in stance, after a year and a half of following Ben-Gvir's policies, might be due to the approaching elections.

Ben-Gvir also linked his criticism to a series of appointments within the police force, stating Levy is attempting to promote individuals favored by the Attorney General. "This will not happen. She has found the wrong minister. I will not back down and will not appoint people to the police just because the Attorney General wants it," Ben-Gvir declared.

In response, sources close to Commissioner Levy rejected the notion of political appointments, emphasizing that the ongoing budget dispute is impacting police operations. They stated that 333 million shekels of an approved 450 million shekel budget for the police have not yet been released. These funds are designated for vehicle replacements, construction and renovation projects, and operational equipment. The delay, they warned, is already affecting the police's ability to function, with aging vehicles and stalled projects.

Ben-Gvir countered that the overall police budget has significantly increased and that some of the disputed funds are within his ministry's budget, not the police's directly. He claimed the police sought to divert funds to non-urgent projects, such as renovations at the Lahav 433 unit and acquiring vehicles for senior officers.

Sources close to Levy insisted that he will not concede on appointments or budgets, stating, "He is not whining or looking for a war, but he is also not willing for the police to be a hostage." They indicated potential appeals to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and even legal avenues if the dispute is not resolved. Despite the harsh tone, Levy's associates stressed his desire for a proper working relationship with Ben-Gvir, noting that the minister appointed him. However, they added, "Being loyal does not mean giving up his responsibility to the organization."