Israel Police Chief Backs Station Commander After Ben Gvir Threatened Dismissal

Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy issued a statement backing Yiftach station commander Lt. Col. Yuval Shavit of the Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan station, after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said he was considering removing him over the handling of last week’s ultra-Orthodox protest on Highway 4.

Shavit was recorded at the scene tearing a protester’s pants. According to the police, Levy spoke with the station commander, heard the sequence of events, and accepted the force’s view that the incident was serious because a major traffic route was blocked early in the morning and public order was violated.

Police said the situation required significant enforcement action to restore normal traffic and order. The force also said Levy expressed appreciation and support for commanders and officers working in the field to protect public safety and maintain public order, and that he would continue to stand by them.