Itamar Ben Gvir against the police: "An incorrect decision in my opinion"
The Minister of National Security speaks out against the new enforcement camera revolution on the roads, announces an urgent discussion, and proposes a move that could affect the driving speed of motorists in Israel.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has addressed the recent expansion of enforcement cameras on Israeli roads, expressing his opposition to the police's decision to increase the use of automated systems for documenting traffic violations. In an interview on the radio program "Pathi and Zamri in the Nation," Ben Gvir stated that he disagrees with the move and announced his intention to hold a formal discussion with police officials.
"It is an incorrect decision. I really did not like this move by the police. In my opinion, it is wrong, and I have requested a discussion on the matter," Ben Gvir stated.
According to the minister, he seeks a professional explanation regarding the decision-making process and intends to examine the data upon which the policy is based.
These remarks come amid a shift in how familiar enforcement cameras are utilized across Israel. Camera positions that were perceived by drivers for years as "scarecrows" are now being repurposed as active enforcement tools. Speed cameras are being deployed in all public transport lanes, and enforcement is targeting even minor speeding violations. Furthermore, tactical cameras capable of documenting various traffic infractions, such as running red lights, are being installed in locations where no police officer or patrol car is visible.
The Israel Police confirmed in recent months that dozens of such tactical cameras have been placed nationwide to target dangerous driving behaviors.
Ben Gvir also addressed the broader speed policy, noting that within a ministerial team including Minister of Transport Miri Regev and Minister Yariv Levin, the possibility of increasing permitted speed limits on certain roads was raised.
"I sat in a ministerial team with Yariv and Miri Regev, and we discussed the possibility of raising the permitted speed on certain roads, rather than hitting the pocket of the average citizen," he said.
He argued that the abundance of fines does not necessarily indicate policy success. "With all due respect, I do not think these fines are effective; we have a high volume of fines, yet road accidents have not decreased as a result," he claimed.
Concluding his remarks, Ben Gvir clarified that he intends to continue his review of police operations. "I intend to hold a dialogue with the Police Commissioner," he said, signaling that the expansion of camera usage is expected to be a point of contention with police leadership.
