Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai issued a statement Tuesday backing the officers who dispersed the Highway 4 protest, saying "significant action was required to restore public order" after a major road was blocked in the morning, disrupting tens of thousands of citizens. The statement comes in response to a sharply worded letter from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir earlier the same day.
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai publicly backed the officers who dispersed a protest on Highway 4 last week, issuing a statement Tuesday that described the blocking of the major road as requiring 'significant action to restore public order.' The move follows a day of escalating tensions between Shabtai and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who earlier sent a sharply worded letter accusing officers of conduct that 'deviates unreasonably from standard expectations,' according to Israeli media.
The statement is Shabtai's first direct public response to Ben Gvir's criticism of the protest dispersal — an event that sparked a political firestorm, including calls from UTJ MK Meir Porush for the commissioner's resignation. The internal police stance had already been signaled by senior police sources who defended the use of force as proportionate to blocking a central route during morning rush hour.
The confrontation between Ben Gvir and Shabtai is part of a long-running power struggle over police independence and operational control. Ben Gvir has previously sought to remove officers the commissioner publicly supported. The commissioner's statement Tuesday evening effectively reinforces his authority over operational decisions, at least in the court of public opinion.
What remains open: whether Ben Gvir will escalate further — including potential disciplinary or removal efforts against Shabtai — and whether the officer suspended in connection with kicking a protester (as previously reported) will face further consequences.
- DevelopingPolice Commissioner publicly backs station commander targeted by Minister Ben Gvir
- StrongProtesters disperse, Highway 4 reopens; Deri warns Ben Gvir over police violence
- DevelopingBen Gvir sends sharply worded letter to police commissioner
- StrongPolice commissioner suspends officer who kicked Haredi protester on Highway 4
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