Netanyahu Asked Police to Monitor Left-Wing Activists Two Days Before Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested that police pay "special attention" to the activities of far-left activists two days before the Knesset elections, according to a senior police official. During a meeting with Police Commissioner Dany Levy and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu presented videos of a group known as "Hajdounim," expressing concern over their movements. The group claims its purpose is to "physically defend the Knesset" against perceived threats to the democratic process from the right, with some members vowing to obstruct Netanyahu's access to his residence.

The meeting itself has sparked controversy, with the "Yesh Atid" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, petitioning the Legal Advisor to the Government Gali Baharav-Miara and the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee Noam Solberg to prevent it. The party warned of potential pressure on public officials and the undermining of public trust in election results. The Legal Advisor also raised objections to political interference in election preparations, emphasizing that the Central Elections Committee is responsible for managing the electoral process and ensuring its integrity.

While Solberg did not prohibit the meeting, he stressed that neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of National Security have the authority to direct the police on election integrity or management, cautioning against exceeding legal boundaries. Netanyahu's office defended the meeting as a discussion of security threats and preparations to counter potential disruptions to the election. Ben-Gvir described monitoring police preparations before an election as a routine procedure.

This situation arises amid escalating accusations between the ruling coalition and the opposition regarding the use of security issues in the election campaign. The Israeli police are preparing to manage any potential disturbances or attempts to influence the voting process.