developing· Security· Updated 13:12

Israel Police Prepare for "Capitol-like" Election Day Violence

Israel Police are deploying 22,000 officers nationwide to manage potential unrest and clashes following the upcoming election on Tuesday. While authorities expect election day itself to remain relatively calm, they anticipate significant public disorder and riots after the release of preliminary exit polls at 10 p.m. and in the days that follow.

3 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 09:43

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Israel Police Prepare for "Capitol-like" Election Day Violence — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Israel Police are deploying 22,000 officers nationwide to prevent post-election violence and manage potential riots.
02Security officials anticipate clashes and public disorder following the release of exit polls at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
03Police preparations include planning for extreme scenarios mirroring the January 6 US Capitol attack.
04Former security officials warned of a political leader refusing to accept election results and inciting street protests.
05The police force has coordinated its three-month operational planning with the Shin Bet and the IDF.
06Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir were briefed on the security plans.
07Large police forces will secure five major party gatherings, including four in Tel Aviv and one Likud event in Jerusalem.

Security preparations, which have been underway for three months in coordination with the Shin Bet and the IDF, include planning for extreme scenarios such as a "Capitol-like" attack. Former security officials and police planners have warned of the danger of a political bloc leader refusing to accept the election results and calling supporters to the streets, which could lead to civil conflict and potentially require IDF assistance.

In addition to securing polling stations, the police deployment of 22,000 officers, an increase of approximately 5,000 compared to the previous election, will secure five major party gatherings, including four in Tel Aviv and one Likud event in Jerusalem. A senior police official briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on the security measures, intelligence assessments, and operational readiness.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 13:56

Latest report: Maariv. Read Maariv’s original