National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Addresses Israeli Police Volunteer Guard Units Despite Legal Opposition

On Monday evening, the main recognition ceremony for the Israeli Police's volunteer guard units took place at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, attended by approximately 5,000 people including volunteers, guard unit members, and their families. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir spoke at the event despite opposition from the State Attorney Gali Baharav-Miara, who opposed his presence at the ceremony.

Since Ben-Gvir assumed office, over 1,070 volunteer guard units have been established across Israel, comprising around 14,000 fighters. In his speech, Ben-Gvir referenced the recent historic discovery of the Altalena shipwreck, using it as a symbol of the painful divisions in Israel’s early statehood and contrasting it with the unity represented by the volunteer guards today.

He praised the volunteers as a vital pillar of Israel’s civilian security concept, highlighting their readiness and involvement in various emergencies including terror attacks, fires, missile barrages, wars, and mass events. Ben-Gvir emphasized that the volunteers enhance deterrence by instilling fear in terrorists, stating, "You are proof that the Israeli spirit is stronger than any fear. The people of Israel live."