Israel's National Security Minister Blocks Police Chief's Interpol Trip
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has refused to authorize Police Commissioner Dany Levy's trip to an Interpol conference in Hong Kong, stating Levy does not represent Israel. This move escalates a dispute over authority and appointments, with Ben-Gvir also accusing Levy of excessive force and improper conduct during protests. Levy has strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and damaging to the police's reputation and professionalism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir blocked Police Commissioner Dany Levy's trip to an Interpol conference in Hong Kong.
- Ben-Gvir stated Levy does not officially represent Israel at the international event.
- The minister plans to inform conference organizers that Levy is not an official representative.
- The dispute stems from ongoing disagreements over police authority and appointments.
- Ben-Gvir accused Levy of ordering excessive force and improper conduct during protests.
- Levy denied the accusations, calling them baseless and damaging to the police.
Tensions between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Dany Levy have escalated, now impacting international relations. Ben-Gvir has refused to approve Levy's planned trip to Hong Kong for the annual Interpol conference at the end of the month, stating the Commissioner does not officially represent Israel.
Ben-Gvir intends to formally notify the conference organizers that Levy is not representing the state, a move that could cause diplomatic and professional embarrassment for the police. This dramatic step follows ongoing disputes between the minister and the commissioner over management authority and appointments within the police force.
These disagreements are exacerbated by Levy's recent appointments of two acting regional commanders, Elad Klein and Avi Levy, without Ben-Gvir's approval. The minister also filed a petition with the High Court of Justice last Monday, seeking to overturn a restraining order that prevents him from interfering with police preparations for protests. In the petition, Ben-Gvir made serious accusations against Levy, alleging he instructed police forces to use excessive violence against Haredi protesters, including a quote about "wanting to see blood."
Ben-Gvir further claimed Levy bypassed commanders and ordered the use of batons and stun grenades before protests began, interfering with command structures. He accused Levy of removing regional commanders without authorization and of missing critical situation assessments and meetings, even traveling abroad without informing the minister. Ben-Gvir warned that Levy's actions risk human lives and could lead to bloodshed, alleging preferential treatment for Haredi protesters over left-wing demonstrators.
Levy vehemently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and outrageous. He stated that the police are not a tool for political attacks and will continue to operate professionally and lawfully. Levy urged Ben-Gvir to retract his damaging statements, emphasizing that the police are apolitical and serve all citizens equally.
Mentioned
