Ben Gvir Budget Freeze Hits Elite Israel Police Counterterrorism Units
A budget dispute between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and police leadership has frozen funds meant for elite counterterrorism units, including Yamam and the Gideonim, sparking severe criticism over deteriorating operational conditions.
The conflict between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the police leadership over the Israel Police budget has escalated significantly. Police sources claim that the budget freeze ordered by the minister not only impacts the routine operations of the organization but also severely affects elite operational units engaged in counterterrorism and combating serious crime.
Information obtained by ynet reveals that the withheld funds include budgets designated for improving infrastructure and service conditions for fighters of the Yamam, Unit 33 of Lahav 433 (Gideonim), and the Border Police compound in Yehudai. In a letter sent to Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, Ben Gvir claimed there was a "spending spree" within the police force, specifically citing a project labeled "renovations in Lahav 433."
Impact on Elite Counterterrorism Units
However, the minister failed to mention that this budget item covers critical renovation work required for Unit 33—the Gideonim, an elite operational unit of Lahav 433 whose members participate in counterterrorism missions and neutralizing terrorists. Police sources state that presenting the project merely as "renovations in Lahav 433" misrepresents the purpose of the work and the living conditions of the fighters it is meant to improve.
A senior police official noted that the housing conditions for Gideonim fighters have deteriorated to the point where operatives are forced to sleep in tents and substandard quarters. "These are fighters who take part in thwarting terrorists and are forced to return to base to sleep in a tent and unworthy living quarters," the official said. Furthermore, sources pointed out that elevator malfunctions at the Yehudai Border Police compound force officers to climb up to the fourth floor on foot carrying heavy vests and tactical gear after grueling shifts.
"The minister boasts that he loves and cares for the police officers, but in practice, his decision directly harms elite units of the Israel Police that thwart terror and protect citizens," a senior police official stated.
Official Responses and Budget Dispute
In response, the office of Itamar Ben Gvir issued a statement defending the budgetary measures. According to the minister's office, lavish spending by the commissioner's associates directly harms vital projects funded through coalition agreements outside the regular police budget.
"As the minister noted in his letter, he will gladly transfer budgets to the various police units directly rather than through the police budget, since unfortunately, funds channeled through the police administration are diverted under the commissioner's directive to wasteful and ostentatious projects that have no justification," the statement read.
