Israeli Police Officers Protest Minister Ben-Gvir's Political Interference
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Journalist Ben Caspit reported that Israel Police officers are protesting Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's alleged plan to turn a police-funded music festival into a political event. The officers are angered by the potential politicization of the "Next" festival, which they paid to attend. The report also details broader accusations of Ben-Gvir using his authority to intimidate police command and delay budgets. Caspit's report comes amid his own impending departure from a radio show he co-hosts with Yinon Magal after the elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police officers are protesting Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's alleged plan to politicize a music festival they paid to attend.
- Journalist Ben Caspit revealed the internal police dissent over the minister's actions.
- The "Next" festival was intended for 10,000-15,000 officers and their families.
- Officers are reportedly upset about mixing politics with cultural events, especially during elections.
- Ben-Gvir is also accused of holding appointments hostage and intimidating police command.
- Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal will end their radio show after the upcoming elections.
Veteran Israeli journalist Ben Caspit has revealed significant internal dissent within the Israel Police Force stemming from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's alleged attempts to politicize a police event. Caspit reported on social media that Ben-Gvir intended to turn the "Next" music festival at Ramat Gan Stadium into a political rally. The event, a closed gathering for 10,000 to 15,000 police officers and their families who paid hundreds of shekels for tickets, was scheduled to feature top artists including Omer Adam, Rita, and Idan Amadi.
According to Caspit's report, citing unnamed officers and commanders, there is strong opposition to mixing politics with a cultural event, especially during an election period. "We did not pay money to come to a closed meeting or an election rally," Caspit quoted disgruntled officers. The report suggests that this planned political use of the event has ignited a fierce protest among police personnel.
Further allegations detailed by Caspit point to broader concerns about Ben-Gvir's conduct. Sources within the police claim the minister is holding some of his less-favored police appointments "hostage," delaying budgets, and using his authority to intimidate command staff. While official responses from the police or the commissioner's office were unavailable, Caspit indicated that criticism is mounting behind the scenes among officers and commanders who object to the dissemination of political messages at what should be a purely musical performance.
In a separate development, Caspit also reported on the impending end of his seven-year radio partnership with Yinon Magal on 103FM. The two have agreed to continue broadcasting together until the upcoming elections, after which they will re-evaluate their future collaboration. Magal later confirmed that the program would indeed conclude after the elections.
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