Israeli Police Prepare for Election Day Unrest and Potential Riots

The Israeli Police are preparing to maintain public order and manage potential confrontations and riots during election day, particularly after the release of preliminary vote counts at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. A senior police officer anticipates a calm election day but expressed significant concern about the period following the release of the initial results, expecting tensions to persist in the following days. The officer stated that the preliminary results could incite public celebrations or anger, leading to potential clashes and riots overnight, the next day, and throughout the week. In addition to securing ballot boxes and maintaining order, police will guard five central party gatherings, four in Tel Aviv and one Likud event in Jerusalem, requiring substantial police presence. Approximately 22,000 officers will be deployed to prevent clashes between supporters of different parties. Police have been planning for this event for three months, coordinating operational plans with the Shin Bet and the IDF.

Despite being under the authority of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the police are expected to maintain professional independence and avoid political influence. Security officials are concerned about events mirroring the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, where supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building after election results were announced. There is a fear that one of the Israeli political camps might claim election fraud and attempt to storm the Knesset to disrupt vote counting, according to the newspaper "Maariv." A security official warned of a dangerous scenario where a camp leader rejects the results and calls supporters to the streets, prompting the opposing camp to mobilize to protect the democratic process, requiring police and military intervention.

Former Shin Bet officials and police officers believe the "Capitol scenario" should be a top priority in election day preparations, advocating for military-style plans and drills. They argue it would be a significant failure not to prepare for such an extreme event. Senior police officers have shared these concerns with Inspector General of Police Dany Levy. One retired officer expressed deep concern about undermining election results and criticized public and security bodies, stating that the Shin Bet and police are responsible for maintaining democracy and ensuring a regular transfer of power. He expressed doubt about the Shin Bet's ability to operate professionally and officially, citing the broadcasting of fabricated poll results and campaigns to delegitimize the election committee and the Supreme Court as early signs of this scenario.

The retired officer also highlighted the danger posed by armed militias formed in recent years, such as the "Hagmar" units in West Bank settlements, and emergency response teams nationwide, along with tens of thousands of weapons distributed to citizens. He stressed that the leadership's response to election results, whether accepting them or acting with public responsibility even in defeat, will be a critical test.