Israel's National Security Minister Accuses Police Chief of Inciting Violence

Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, escalated his confrontation with Police Inspector General Dani Levy on Monday, accusing him of ordering the use of excessive force against Haredi protesters and allegedly seeking to incite "bloodshed." Ben-Gvir also filed an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn a judicial order that prevents him from interfering in the management of demonstrations.

Ben-Gvir's escalation followed an exceptional statement from the Israeli Police warning against attempts to undermine the Inspector General's standing through anonymous leaks, suggesting "interested parties" were behind efforts to weaken Levy. In his court filing, Ben-Gvir claimed he received information that Levy instructed the use of severe force against Haredi protesters, allegedly stating "he wants to see blood" and ordering officers to use batons and stun grenades before protests began, contrary to protocol.

Ben-Gvir accused Levy of discriminating in law enforcement between Haredi protesters and "left-wing protesters," warning that Levy's orders "endanger lives and could lead to bloodshed." He requested the cancellation of the order restricting his intervention, arguing it would allow him to curb police violence and prevent casualties.

Further accusations included Levy transferring the commander of the Dan region, Elad Klein, to lead the Ayalon region without Ben-Gvir's approval, directly interfering with field officers' decisions, and attending work meetings or traveling abroad without informing or obtaining consent from the minister.

Ben-Gvir linked Levy's change in behavior to the Knesset election results, suggesting Levy was acting to appease political rivals in anticipation of a government change. This comes after recent clashes between police and Haredi protesters demonstrating against the imprisonment of young men for draft evasion, which resulted in injuries to both police officers and protesters. The police, in their statement, emphasized that Levy leads the force with "firmness and responsibility" and that law enforcement is applied "equally, without favoritism or discrimination."