Police Remove Israeli Flags in the Galilee After Security Warning, Triggering Probe

A video circulated on social media shows police officers taking down Israeli flags that had been hung along the road to Beit Rimon in the Galilee. Initial claims said the flags were removed out of concern they could “incite” residents of nearby Kafr Qana.

Police later said the officers had made an error in judgment and that Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Danny Levi ordered a review of the incident. After the uproar, it emerged that the officers had acted on instructions passed to them by Shin Bet personnel operating at the scene.

Following the incident, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir spoke with Levi and Northern District Commander Maj. Gen. Meir Eliyahu, and the three said the case would be examined thoroughly. Police said Levi views the incident very seriously and has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into how the decision was made.

The police added that if any flaw is found in the conduct of the officers involved, they will be dealt with accordingly. In Ben Gvir’s circle, it was said: “It is very unfortunate that there are still elements in the Shin Bet operating with a pre-October 7 mentality. The Israeli flag will fly everywhere in the State of Israel, that is the policy, and that is how it will be.”