Ben Gvir and Police Chief Clash Sharply in High Court Petition Dispute
A severe public rift has emerged between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Inspector General Danny Levi over the policing of ultra-Orthodox demonstrations, prompting mutual accusations and sharp condemnation from retired police leadership.
A sharp public confrontation has erupted between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Inspector General of Police Danny Levi, catching police leadership by surprise while both figures were vacationing abroad.
According to associates of the police chief, the two officials have not met for over a week and have not spoken by phone recently. Consequently, Ben Gvir filed a petition with the High Court of Justice without any prior warning or consultation, launching severe accusations regarding the handling of ultra-Orthodox protests. Sources close to Levi expressed astonishment at both the timing and the harsh tone, dismissing the claims as entirely false.
High Court Petitions and Counterclaims
The political storm broke out after Ben Gvir petitioned the High Court demanding the cancellation of an interim injunction that restricts his direct involvement in operational policing during demonstrations. The minister claimed that Levi adopted an excessively harsh approach against ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protesting the arrest of a draft dodger. Furthermore, Ben Gvir alleged that the police chief made an extreme statement expressing a desire to see bloodshed, alongside direct orders to officers to use batons and stun grenades.
In an unusually direct official response, Levi rejected the allegations outright, labeling them as severe, delusional, and shameful, while demanding a full retraction from the minister. Ben Gvir responded by stating that he stands behind every word, accusing the police chief of shifting his operational approach due to political considerations ahead of the next government.
Broader Political and Public Repercussions
Meanwhile, associates of the minister defended the legal move, strongly criticizing what they termed selective enforcement against the ultra-Orthodox public. Supporters argued that while severe disciplinary measures were pursued against officers involved in isolated incidents, excessive force against community protesters is frequently overlooked.
Standing firmly with the police chief, retired Inspector General Moshe Karadi, head of the Retired Commissioners Forum, launched a blistering attack against the minister. Karadi accused Ben Gvir of systematically dismantling police infrastructure built over decades, urging police officers to uphold the law rather than political directives.
This overseas escalation highlights the severe rift between the cabinet minister and the nation's top police commander, casting serious doubt on their ability to maintain working relations upon their return to Israel.
