Police Officials Oppose Ben-Gvir's Push for Costly Helicopter

Senior police officials have expressed opposition to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's insistence on purchasing an expensive Black Hawk helicopter for the Israeli Police, a move they deem unnecessary. The proposed acquisition would cost approximately 200 million shekels, at a time when the police force is reportedly facing shortages in patrol cars, fuel, and combat equipment. A police source stated that Ben-Gvir is pushing for the helicopter purchase despite the professional echelons of the police arguing against its necessity. The source further indicated that this push comes while the minister is allegedly drying up the organization's budget, leading to extended patrol routes, insufficient patrols, and a lack of fuel and combat gear, forcing the police to scrutinize every expense. Additionally, the source claimed that the aviation system is unprepared to integrate the helicopter, citing a lack of qualified pilots and inadequate storage facilities. The police expect the Ministry of Finance not to approve the budget for this purchase.