Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Thursday evening the Israel Police "does not belong to the commissioner" in response to a letter from the police chief. He announced he will release budgets for urgent needs but will not transfer funds for vehicle and equipment procurement to the force, instead handling purchases through his own ministry, according to reports.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir escalated his conflict with Israel Police leadership Thursday evening, responding to a letter from the police commissioner with a new policy on police funding. The minister stated that "the police does not belong to the commissioner," and announced that while he will release budgets for urgent operational needs, he will not transfer funds allocated for vehicle and equipment purchases to the police. Instead, he will handle procurement directly through his ministry.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the deepening rift between Ben Gvir and Commissioner Danny Levi, including a July report in which police officers criticized Levi for stating he would obey High Court directives over political orders, and a September report in which senior police officials questioned Ben Gvir's assertion that the budget dispute was not the core issue. The minister's latest announcement asserts control over police resources independent of the commissioner.
The practical implications of the direct procurement plan remain unclear. The police have not yet issued an official response.
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