Outcry After Video Shows Police Removing Israeli Flags in Kafr Kanna

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir spoke on Sunday with Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Danny Levy and Northern District Commander Maj. Gen. Meir Eliyahu after a video circulated online showing police in the Kafr Kanna area taking down Israeli flags that had been hung there. The flags were apparently removed in order not to “provoke” residents of Kafr Kanna.

The three officials expressed strong displeasure with the footage and said the circumstances of the incident must be examined thoroughly. Levy told the minister he viewed the matter very seriously and ordered an investigation. He also said that if it is found that the officers involved acted improperly, they will be dealt with accordingly.

During the call, it was said that the officers were acting on instructions passed to them by Shin Bet personnel operating in the area. Ben Gvir and Levy stressed that the Israeli flag is the official symbol of the State of Israel, and that all law enforcement and security bodies are expected to respect state symbols and act in line with the law and procedures.

People in Ben Gvir’s circle criticized what they described as Shin Bet elements still operating with a mindset from before October 7. They said, “The Israeli flag will be raised everywhere in the State of Israel, that is the policy, and that is how it will be.”