Police Commissioner Levi Urges Ben Gvir to Release Delayed Budgets

Police Commissioner Danny Levi sent a direct message this morning to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding delayed budgets intended to strengthen the police force following the lessons of October 7.

Speaking at a police conference, Levi clarified that the disputed funds are meant to close gaps identified in internal investigations after the severe events of October 7. The Commissioner stressed that these funds are vital for improving preparedness and ensuring better handling of extreme scenarios.

Commissioner Levi emphasized that the budgets are part of critical lessons learned, allowing the force to improve its operational capabilities. Reports from a month ago indicated the dispute centers on an unallocated budget of 333 million shekels, which Levi warns harms the purchase of operational vehicles and emergency response.

Minister Ben Gvir countered that he halted the fund transfers after discovering parts of the budget were not allocated for agreed operational needs. The minister claimed the police intended to redirect funds to administrative vehicles, renovations, and headquarters projects instead of field operations.