Israel's National Security Minister Slams Police Commissioner Amid Violent Protests

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply criticized Police Commissioner Dany Levy on Thursday, accusing him of seeking to appease the left-wing following recent election results and of exhibiting bias against the Haredi community. Ben-Gvir stated that Levy's actions, particularly in response to protests near Bnei Brak, were part of a new agenda to "flatter the leftists." He alleged that Levy, after complying with the minister's requests for a year and a half, was now acting illegally against the Haredi population, making them his "punching bag."

United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher also condemned the police's conduct during the protests near Bnei Brak, calling for an investigation into officers who allegedly acted unlawfully and violently. Asher described the scenes of injured protesters, including one with special needs, "bleeding on the floor" as a "red line" that cannot be ignored. He urged the Police Commissioner to immediately summon the officers involved for a hearing.

The Shas party echoed these sentiments, labeling the police violence against Haredi protesters as "shocking" and demanding an immediate, thorough investigation. Shas claimed the documented instances of protesters being evacuated by ambulance after being beaten with batons indicated the results of "wild incitement" and the "sanctioning of the blood" of the Haredi population, stating it must not be overlooked.

Member of Knesset Meir Porush further accused the police of disrespecting the Haredi public's right to protest and resorting to "brutal violence." He drew a stark contrast between the treatment of protesters in Bnei Brak and those on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv, suggesting a two-tiered system where Haredim are treated "worse than subhumans" while others are allowed to riot unimpeded.