Former Israeli Police Chief Roni Alsheikh Condemns National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Roni Alsheikh, former Israeli police commissioner, sharply criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in an interview set to air on Wednesday on Reshet 13's "Asnaim" program. Alsheikh revealed that if Ben-Gvir had entered his police command center during his tenure, he would have immediately expelled him, stating, "Sir, you must leave. You cannot be here, period." When asked if he would say that directly to the minister, Alsheikh confirmed firmly, emphasizing that Ben-Gvir's presence damages public trust in the police and undermines their impartial work.

Alsheikh's remarks come amid recent controversy over senior police officials attending Ben-Gvir's birthday party, which he said distorts citizens' perception of the police and erodes their neutrality. He declared, "The police are not a neutral force, and this destroys public confidence in the police."

In recent weeks, Alsheikh has expressed frustration with the current government. Speaking on 103fm radio, he criticized the political climate surrounding the Jonathan Urich affair and the Qatar Gate scandal, lamenting that everyone is aligning with these issues and calling himself "desperate with this government."

Alsheikh, who served as police commissioner until a few years ago, was recently questioned under caution in a criminal investigation regarding the employment of an illegal worker. The probe began after a Palestinian resident was detained without proper permits, and testimony indicated Alsheikh knowingly employed the worker illegally but continued the employment.

The full interview with Alsheikh, including further political and security commentary, will be broadcast on Thursday on Reshet 13's "Asnaim."