Police Chief Backs Bnei Brak Commander After Ben Gvir Seeks Removal

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy issued a public statement on Tuesday backing the Bnei Brak station commander and the district commander, after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir asked to have the station chief removed over violence against ultra-Orthodox protesters in the city.

According to the police statement, Levy spoke with the area commander and the station commander, heard their account of the incident, and accepted their view that the operation required a significant police response. Police said the event was serious because a major traffic route was blocked in the early morning, public order was disrupted, and the daily routine of tens of thousands of residents was harmed.

The police said Levy expressed his appreciation and support for the commanders and officers operating in the field and said he would continue to stand by them as they carry out their duties for the public. The statement stressed that they had to make real-time decisions in a complex operational environment.

Earlier Tuesday, Ben Gvir told Levy he was considering using his authority to dismiss or permanently remove officers who acted violently and unlawfully during last week’s ultra-Orthodox protests. It was the first time the minister has sought removals over alleged violence in protests. In his letter about Wednesday’s demonstration, he cited footage showing stun grenades allegedly fired directly at protesters in violation of procedures, protesters dragged along the road with their pants torn off, and a police officer seen kicking a protester in the head. The officer was suspended that day, and the Police Internal Investigations Department opened an inquiry.