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Police Officials Oppose Ben-Gvir's Proposed Helicopter Purchase

By i24NEWS, לי עייש

Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba

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Senior police officials are opposing a proposed 200 million shekel helicopter purchase by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. They argue the helicopter is unnecessary and comes at a time of critical shortages in patrol cars, fuel, and ammunition. The police aviation unit also reportedly lacks the infrastructure and personnel to operate the new aircraft.

The story in 4 lines · by baba

Senior police officials oppose Minister Ben-Gvir's 200 million shekel helicopter purchase.
Critics say the helicopter is unnecessary amid police shortages of vehicles, fuel, and ammunition.
The police aviation unit reportedly lacks pilots and storage for the proposed helicopter.
Police are urging the Finance Ministry to reject the budget for the acquisition.

Senior police officials have voiced opposition to a proposed helicopter purchase championed by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing a lack of necessity and significant financial concerns. The acquisition is estimated to cost approximately 200 million shekels, a sum that critics argue is being allocated despite critical shortages within the police force, including patrol cars, fuel, and ammunition.

A police source stated that Ben-Gvir is pushing for the purchase of a Black Hawk helicopter for police use, costing around 200 million shekels, against the advice of professional officials who believe it is not needed. This initiative is reportedly being advanced while the minister is seen as financially starving the organization, leading to patrol cars accumulating high mileage and a general scarcity of resources.

Furthermore, the source indicated that the police aviation unit is not prepared to operate the new helicopter, lacking both qualified pilots and adequate storage facilities. The police are reportedly appealing to the Ministry of Finance to reject the budget for this purchase.

This development occurs amidst broader criticisms of Ben-Gvir's management, including accusations of budgetary dryness and political maneuvering, as suggested by other linked articles.

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