The Israel Police commissioner has informed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that he will not engage with him, effectively boycotting the minister and stating that the police will not provide a response to his demands, according to reports. The move escalates the ongoing feud between the commissioner and the minister over police independence and appointments.
The police commissioner's boycott marks a sharp escalation in the prolonged standoff with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. According to reports, the commissioner effectively froze communication with the minister, stating that the police will not respond to his directives or requests.
The move follows a day of heightened tensions: earlier on Thursday, the commissioner refused to meet with Ben Gvir until the minister signed off on key appointments and approved the department's budget, as The Zioneer reported. The commissioner had also pledged to implement any High Court decision, after his spokesperson declined to commit to obeying the court.
The attorney general has previously petitioned the High Court to dismiss Ben Gvir over alleged interference in police operations. Ben Gvir has denied the allegations, accusing the attorney general of political persecution. The latest development suggests the rift between the police leadership and the minister is widening, with no resolution in sight.
2 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir sends sharply worded letter to police commissioner
- StrongBen Gvir says police 'does not belong to commissioner', will handle vehicle procurement directly
- DevelopingPolice Commissioner publicly backs station commander targeted by Minister Ben Gvir
- DevelopingBen Gvir seeks to remove Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police station commander over roadblocks
Source and signal
- Open-source intake