Police Brace for Election Day Disruptions, Post-Vote Unrest
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A senior Israeli police official revealed preparations for election day disruptions, including potential road blockades by Haredi demonstrators and concerns about post-election unrest. Around 22,000 officers will be deployed, with special attention to Haredi and Arab communities. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also raised concerns about a far-left activist group planning to block his residence. Security forces are also preparing for potential terror attacks and missile fire, while also addressing funding disputes with the National Security Ministry.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police are preparing for election day disruptions and post-election unrest, a senior official stated.
- Approximately 22,000 officers will be deployed nationwide to ensure election day security.
- Concerns include Haredi demonstrators blocking roads and potential violence at polling stations.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is worried about a far-left group planning to block his residence.
- Security forces are also preparing for terror attacks and potential missile fire.
- Police are facing funding disputes with the National Security Ministry over NIS 350 million.
Israeli police are preparing for potential disruptions to election day voting and are concerned about unrest following the announcement of results, a senior police official stated. Approximately 22,000 officers will be deployed nationwide, with a police presence expected at nearly every polling station. The police are particularly worried about disruptions from Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrators who may attempt to block roads and impede voters. "What happens after the elections should concern us more than the elections themselves. The results could bring people out into the streets," the official warned, though he also predicted a relatively calm election day.
Specific concerns include Haredi protesters blocking traffic and attempts to interfere with voting. The police are also reportedly aware of a plan, attributed to an oligarch, to distribute $500 to each Haredi voter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed concern to Police Commissioner Dany Levy about a group called "HaGideonim," described as extreme left-wing activists intending to physically protect the Knesset and block Netanyahu at his residence. The Prime Minister requested special attention to this matter.
On the security front, the police have received warnings of potential terror attacks in the past week and a half, though no concrete threats for election day have been identified. Cooperation with the Shin Bet includes checkpoints and operations to arrest illegal residents. A lockdown will be in effect on election day, with around 6,000 authorized workers permitted entry. Special police units will be deployed across the country to respond to sudden events, including potential infiltrations from the east or the Jordanian border.
The senior official described the security situation as "very sensitive," citing Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. Preparations also include the possibility of missile fire, with assurances that efforts will be made to protect citizens and ensure the elections proceed. Voting hours might be extended if necessary. Beyond security threats, police are also preparing for criminal incidents at polling stations, fearing violence stemming from existing disputes between individuals.
The official also criticized delays in funding for the police, stating that NIS 71 million were supposed to be transferred, with an additional NIS 350 million held by the National Security Ministry. He claimed that Minister Ben-Gvir is unconcerned by the funding delays and indicated that the police might petition the High Court of Justice if the funds are not released.
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