Ben Gvir Blocks Police Chief's Interpol Trip Amid Deepening Rift
The dispute between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Inspector General Danny Levi has reached the international stage as Ben Gvir blocks the chief's trip to the Interpol conference in Hong Kong amid severe mutual allegations.
The rift between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israel Police Inspector General Danny Levi has escalated to the international arena. The police chief plans to travel to Hong Kong at the end of the month to attend the annual Interpol conference, but the minister has refused to approve the trip, stating that Levi does not serve as Israel's official representative at the event.
International Dispute and Chain of Command
Sources close to the minister indicated that Ben Gvir plans to send an official notification directly to the Interpol conference organizers in Hong Kong to clarify that the police chief does not represent the State of Israel. This unprecedented move risks causing a diplomatic and professional embarrassment for the police force. The tensions follow ongoing disputes regarding managerial authorities and senior appointments within the organization, including Levi's recent appointment of two acting district commanders without ministerial approval.
Severe Allegations and Court Filings
Last Monday, Minister Ben Gvir submitted a petition to the High Court of Justice demanding the cancellation of an interim injunction that bars him from intervening in police preparations for public demonstrations. In the court filing, Ben Gvir leveled severe accusations against the police chief, claiming that Levi instructed forces on the ground to use excessive violence against ultra-Orthodox protesters and was quoted as saying he 'wants to see blood.'
The petition further alleges that the police chief bypassed the chain of command by ordering officers to deploy batons and stun grenades before protests even began. Ben Gvir also accused Levi of transferring district commanders without legal approval, bypassing situational assessments, and exhibiting selective enforcement between ultra-Orthodox and left-wing demonstrators.
Mutual Accrimony and Police Response
In response to the mounting pressure, the Israel Police issued a scathing rebuttal, dismissing the allegations as unfounded, outrageous, and shameful. The police leadership asserted that instead of backing officers and commanders, the minister is choosing to slander them and undermine public trust. 'The police are not a tool for political mudslinging,' the official statement read, emphasizing that the force remains apolitical and dedicated to serving all Israeli citizens equally.
