Police chief backs officers after Ben Gvir seeks to remove Bnei Brak commander

Israel Police chief Lt. Gen. Danny Levy publicly backed commanders and officers on Tuesday after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said he had ordered Levy to consider dismissing the commander of the Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan station, Supt. Yuvall Shavit. Shavit was filmed using force against protesters in Bnei Brak last week.

Police said Levy spoke with the regional commander and the station commander, heard their account of the events, and accepted their position that the operation required a strong police response. According to the statement, the incident involved a major roadway being blocked in the early morning, public order being disrupted, and the daily routine of tens of thousands of residents being harmed. Levy also ordered a professional lessons-learned review, as is standard in such cases.

The police statement said Levy expressed appreciation and backing for officers on the ground who make real-time decisions in a complex operational setting and would continue to stand by them while they carry out their duties. Ben Gvir responded that he respects the police chief, but said meaningful steps are needed after the review to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Earlier, Ben Gvir sent Levy a letter saying video footage showed police throwing stun grenades against procedures, using excessive force against demonstrators, and humiliating civilians. His office said he will not tolerate excessive violence or conduct inconsistent with police values and the law. Ben Gvir said he is considering using his legal authority to permanently remove officers and commanders involved, including the Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan station commander if serious violations are confirmed, and said an urgent meeting with relevant officials is expected this week before any final decision. The incident took place on Wednesday last week, when ultra-Orthodox protesters unexpectedly blocked Route 4 at the entrance to Bnei Brak in protest against conscription and draft dodgers arrests. Later that day, police said they would independently investigate the allegations of officer violence and would examine and discipline any serious departures from procedure.