Netanyahu Summons Police Chief for Election Integrity Talks Amid Opposition Outcry

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned the Inspector General of the Police, Dani Levi, for a discussion on election integrity on Sunday, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also in attendance. The meeting was reported by Itamar Eichner and Liran Tamari in Ynet.

In response to the report, the "Yesh! Im Izencott" party contacted the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, demanding the cancellation of the meeting. The party noted that representatives from the Central Elections Committee and the Opposition Leader were not invited to the discussion. The Prime Minister's office refuted claims that the meeting was unusual, stating that such discussions are standard practice before every election.

Reports also indicated that Inspector General Levi had previously refused to attend a similar meeting at Minister Ben-Gvir's office but was expected to participate in the one with Netanyahu. The "Yesh! Im Izencott" party argued in their appeal that Netanyahu, as a candidate himself, is not the appropriate authority on election integrity, and the Inspector General is not subordinate to him on this matter. They emphasized the absence of election committee representatives and called for the meeting's immediate cancellation.

The party expressed concern that the meeting could create an unfounded impression of election tampering, thereby undermining public trust in the results. They also voiced fears of potential pressure on public officials to advance political interests.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid also criticized the summons, attributing a different motive: diverting public attention from an interview where Netanyahu discussed the possibility of economic sanctions against Israel, economic damage, and the cancellation of security agreements with the United States. Lapid stated, "Netanyahu invited the Inspector General solely to stop the country from talking about the interview in which he lost control and announced that if he is elected, Israel will face sanctions, the economy of Iran and North Korea, and the cancellation of security agreements with the United States."

A response from Minister Ben-Gvir's office described the summons as a routine and accepted procedure, similar to actions by previous ministers. The statement asserted that it is the minister's duty to ask questions, prevent harm to life, examine preparedness, and identify gaps. The office further characterized the meeting between the Prime Minister, the National Security Minister, and the Inspector General as a legitimate and routine part of the political leadership's responsibility. The statement also included a pointed remark directed at Gadi, Naftali, and Yair Golan, accusing them of being the greatest anti-democrats and inciters.