Israel Police
Israel Police is the national civilian law-enforcement agency responsible for public order, criminal investigation, and internal security. Operating under the Ministry of National Security, the force manages high-friction religious sites, combats organized crime, and serves as a primary responder to domestic terror incidents.
The Israel Police (Hebrew: משטרת ישראל) is the national civilian force mandated to maintain law and order across the State of Israel. Established in 1948, the organization is unique among Western law enforcement agencies for its heavy security and counter-terrorism responsibilities. Headquartered in Jerusalem, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Security. A critical component of the force is the Border Police (Mishmar HaGvul), a paramilitary unit frequently deployed to high-friction areas, including mixed urban centers, checkpoints, and Judea and Samaria. In Jerusalem, the police serve as the primary authority for maintaining the 'status quo' on the Temple Mount, a role requiring delicate coordination with the Jordanian-administered Waqf.
In mid-2026, the force has been at the forefront of several major domestic challenges. This includes the response to a 'rolling' terror attack in the Sharon region on June 7, where police and IDF units conducted a multi-scene manhunt to neutralize an assailant from Tayibe. Simultaneously, the organization is managing intense internal civil friction, utilizing special units and enforcement measures to clear major national infrastructure, such as Highway 6, during large-scale protests. Beyond security, the police are engaged in high-profile criminal investigations, including a probe into contaminated baby food and an evidentiary basis for charges against MK Eli Cohen regarding diplomatic passports. Under Commissioner Danny Levy, the force has also intensified air-ground operations against organized crime families in the Negev and Arab sectors, while maintaining vigilance against weapons smuggling along the Jordanian border.