Eisenkot Demands Netanyahu Cancel Meeting with Police Chief Over Election Concerns

Two days before the upcoming elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a meeting with Police Commissioner Danny Levy to discuss police preparations for election day. This move immediately sparked a sharp dispute, with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yisrael! party, filing a petition with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Election Committee. Eisenkot's party accused Netanyahu of direct interference in election integrity and attempting to sabotage the elections.

The Likud party, in response, denied the allegations, stating the meeting was about security threats and not election integrity. They invited the Election Committee chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, to send a representative. The Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, responded by stating that there is no place for political involvement from candidates or political figures in matters concerning election management and public order during elections, emphasizing that the police operate under the guidance of the Election Committee chairman.

Eisenkot publicly denounced Netanyahu's actions on social media, calling it a dangerous intervention and a blatant violation of proper administration. The petition filed by Eisenkot's lawyer highlighted that the meeting, which would also include Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, was unusual, especially so close to election day. Ben-Gvir's office defended the meeting as routine, similar to those held by previous ministers, and a legitimate part of the political leadership's responsibility to ensure public safety.

However, the Attorney General's office noted that it was unaware of any similar meetings occurring in the past. The Likud reiterated that the discussion was part of a broader security briefing due to existing threats, not related to election fairness. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet security service announced it would provide security for Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Ofer Winter, with Unit 730 overseeing the protection.