Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai issued a public statement of support for a station commander whom National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had reportedly sought to remove, Israeli media report. The move escalates a long-running power struggle between the commissioner and the minister.
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai has publicly backed a station commander whom National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly sought to remove, according to Israeli media. The commissioner's statement, published Tuesday evening, directly challenges the minister's authority over police appointments and operational decisions. Ben Gvir has repeatedly called for greater political control over the police force, particularly in Judea and Samaria, while Shabtai has insisted on maintaining operational independence. The Zioneer previously reported on earlier tensions between the two officials, including the minister's attempts to bypass the commissioner's chain of command. It remains unclear whether the minister will now pursue disciplinary or legal measures against the commissioner.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake