Israeli Police Chief Slams Spokespeople Amid Haredi Arrest Backlash

Israel Police Commissioner Dani Levy held an unusually sharp meeting today with the force’s spokespersons, according to people present, as criticism mounts over police handling of Haredi protests and recent clashes with the ultra-Orthodox public. Levy reportedly accused the communications wing of failing to answer public attacks effectively and said National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his aides were setting the public agenda instead of the police.

During the discussion, Levy said the spokespeople unit was not functioning and warned that changes were coming. He reportedly told those present, “Whoever does not fit the organization’s values will be out of here,” and threatened dismissals. He also vented over leaks, saying, “I know everything, be careful,” and claimed that while nothing leaked from senior command meetings, some of the recent reporting came from within the spokespeople’s unit.

Levy also expressed anger over reports that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was credited with warning about a threat in Eilat, saying, “The Shin Bet chief stole my assessment.” He added that the IDF had “dumped” responsibility for the arrests of Haredim on the police and then disappeared. Levy said that in the past he could walk around Bnei Brak and take photos with residents, but now he cannot enter the city.

The tension is also reaching police commanders in the field. Regional commanders told News 14 that the conflict between Levy and Ben Gvir is filtering down to rank-and-file officers, who are left unsure how to act. They said Levy is not presenting clear policy in senior meetings about the protests, leaving front-line police to absorb the public criticism. They urged him to set a single, clear policy and lead more decisively.