Israel Police Chief Warns Officers Against Political Expression During Service
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Police Commissioner Dani Levy has warned officers that expressing political views during service will lead to dismissal, emphasizing the force's apolitical stance. The warning came during a meeting with election officials, military, and Shin Bet representatives to prepare for potential security threats on election day, including war scenarios and missile attacks. The police have developed an operational plan and risk-based deployment strategy for polling stations. In case of major escalation, a joint assessment will determine the election's continuation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police Commissioner Dani Levy warned officers against expressing political views during service, threatening dismissal.
- The warning was issued during a meeting addressing election preparedness and potential security threats.
- Police are preparing for scenarios including war, missile fire, and disruptions on election day.
- Deployment of officers at polling stations will be based on risk assessment.
- A joint assessment will decide on election continuation if significant escalation occurs.
Police Commissioner Dani Levy issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that any police officer expressing political opinions while on duty will be removed from the force. This directive was given during a preparedness meeting for upcoming elections, which also addressed potential security scenarios.
The meeting included senior police command staff, the acting director general of the Central Elections Committee, and representatives from the military and the Shin Bet. Discussions focused on maintaining public order, ensuring election integrity, and guaranteeing a safe and proper voting process.
Levy emphasized the professional and apolitical nature of the Israel Police, stating unequivocally that officers must not voice political stances during their service. He reiterated that violations of this order would result in dismissal.
Dean Levana, acting director general of the Central Elections Committee, praised the unprecedented cooperation with the police and expressed confidence in their ability to safeguard the elections, a sentiment shared by Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg.
The police are also preparing for extraordinary security events on election day, including war scenarios, missile fire, and disruptions. Some of these contingency plans, based on classified intelligence, were discussed in closed sessions. The operational plan involves extensive coordination, including tabletop exercises and war games, with a recent exercise led by the head of operations and attended by the Elections Committee chairman, focusing on potential security incidents and responses at polling stations.
Polling station deployment will be risk-based, with police presence determined by location characteristics and the potential for crime or disturbances. Areas without a permanent officer will be covered by mobile patrols. Officers are being briefed on procedures for responding to alarms or attacks, including public evacuation and safeguarding election materials, with guidance provided via a digital pocket guide. In the event of significant escalation during voting, a conference call among the Elections Committee chairman, security officials, and police leadership will assess the situation and decide on the continuation of the elections.
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