Israel Strives to Dictatorship as Ben Gvir Strengthens His Grip on The Polis Force
In an effort to remove the nation’s police chief, the national security minister appears prepared to mold the Israeli police force in his image.
Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, is reportedly not going to extend the term of the nation’s police head, prompting him to tighten his control over the nation’s police force.
Although the decision has not been officially communicated to Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, whose term is slated to expire in January, it was leaked to the Israeli media.
Ben Gvir and Shabtai have frequently disagreed because the latter wants to have more political sway over who is chosen for key positions in Israel’s police force.
According to reports, Ben Gvir has recently met with several senior police commanders and even former military figures to determine their interest in the position of police commissioner.
The head of the opposition National Unity party, Benny Gantz, denounced Ben Gvir’s alleged plans.
“The leaks from Ben Gvir about his intention to terminate the term of the police commissioner — a man who has actually contributed dozens of years to the security of the state — at a time when he is away from the country for a delicate family matter, embarrasses the state of Israel,” said Gantz.
He added that “Ben Gvir has failed to oversee security within Israel and is hampering the police’s ability to deal with critical challenges,” adding that he has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he will “always” be dismissed. before” and asked to send a far-right minister. The term of office of the Director is terminated. ”
The Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Shabtay wants to serve another year in prison and is planning a senior police position, but Ben Gvir is likely to refuse.
A series of crises in recent weeks have led to regular anti-government opposition protests in Tel Aviv, the economic and cultural capital of Israel, but Ben Gvir and Shabtai have been appointed police chiefs. are arguing over
It has been regularly controversial since Ben Gvir took over as national security minister. Earlier this year, he was flanked by police and stormed the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, heightening tensions with Palestinians.
He has frequently referred to Palestinian members of parliament as “terrorists” and has called for the deportation of political opponents. He was a member of the banned anti-Arab Kach party.
Threat to national security There is growing pressure on Ben Gvir to take responsibility for the violent crime wave that is sweeping the nation, particularly among the Palestinian population.
Ben Gvir blamed Shabtai’s desire “to appoint his friends to jobs” for the sharp increase in deaths the previous week.
According to NGOs, crime-related violence has claimed the lives of approximately 100 people in Israeli Palestinian communities since the beginning of the year.
Discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime that disproportionately affects Palestinian communities have long been issues Palestinians in Israel have raised.
They claim that the police have failed to protect them from the organized crime gangs that have been threatening them for years.
In an effort to weaken the social fabric of their community and make them feel unsafe, some assert that Israeli authorities are complicit with criminals.
Six former Israeli police commissioners and 42 deputy commissioners urged Netanyahu to remove Ben Gvir, a coalition ally of the far right, from his position as national security minister last week.
