Police Brace for Election Day Disruptions, Post-Vote Unrest
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
A senior Israeli police official revealed preparations for election day disruptions, including potential road blockades by Haredi protesters and concerns about post-election unrest. Approximately 22,000 officers will be deployed, with special attention to Haredi and Arab communities. The police are also addressing security threats, including potential attacks and missile fire, and are preparing for criminal incidents at polling stations. Additionally, the official criticized the delay in transferring funds to the police.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police are preparing for election day disruptions and post-election unrest, a senior official warned.
- About 22,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide, with heightened security at Haredi and Arab polling stations.
- Concerns include Haredi protesters blocking roads and a reported plan to distribute money to Haredi voters.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu raised concerns about an extremist group planning to block his residence.
- Security preparations include responses to potential attacks, missile fire, and terrorist infiltrations.
- The police are also facing a delay in receiving NIS 350 million in government funding.
Israeli police are preparing for potential attempts to disrupt election day voting and are also concerned about developments following the announcement of results, a senior police official stated. The official warned that "what happens after the elections should concern us more than the elections themselves," adding that "the results could bring people out into the streets." Despite these concerns, the official anticipates a relatively quiet election day.
Approximately 22,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide, with a police presence expected at nearly every polling station. The police have categorized polling stations by their risk of friction, with particular attention paid to locations within the Haredi and Arab communities. Riot police (Yassam) forces will be deployed if necessary to counter anyone attempting to interfere with voting.
Authorities fear Haredi protesters may block roads to disrupt the elections and hinder voters' access to polling stations. The senior official also mentioned that police would act against a plan attributed to an oligarch to distribute $500 to each voter in the Haredi community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly expressed concern to Police Commissioner Dany Levy about an extremist left-wing group called "HaGideonim," which allegedly plans to physically defend the Knesset and block Netanyahu at his residence. Netanyahu requested the police give this matter special attention.
On the security front, the police have received warnings of potential attacks in the past two weeks, though no concrete threats for election day have been identified. Police are coordinating with the Shin Bet, implementing checkpoints and arresting illegal residents. A lockdown will be in effect on election day, with around 6,000 authorized workers permitted entry. Special forces will be deployed from north to south to respond to sudden events, including potential terrorist infiltrations from the east or the Jordanian border. The official acknowledged the sensitive security situation, citing Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah, and noted preparations for missile fire, stating, "We will act to defend and do everything to ensure the elections are not stopped." Voting hours might be extended if necessary.
Beyond security threats, police are also preparing for criminal incidents at polling stations, fearing that encounters between rivals with existing disputes could lead to violence. The senior official also criticized delays in transferring funds to the police, stating that NIS 71 million were supposed to be allocated, while NIS 350 million are being held by the National Security Ministry. The official claimed Minister Ben-Gvir is unconcerned by the delay and indicated the police might petition the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) to secure the funds.
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