Police Chief Warns Ben Gvir Over Blocked Budgets Damaging Security
Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy sent a sharp letter to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, warning that withholding 333 million shekels in operational budgets severely harms police readiness, vehicle procurement, and station construction.
Police Chief and National Security Minister Clash Over Blocked Budgets
Public friction escalated Wednesday between Police Commissioner Danny Levy and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Levy dispatched a sharp letter warning that freezing dedicated budgets immediately undermines police operations, public service, and national security.
"A situation where designated budgets of the Israel Police are delayed in your ministry cannot, under any circumstances, continue," Levy wrote in a letter copied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Millions in Crucial Funding Frozen
According to the Police Commissioner, out of a 450 million shekel framework agreed upon with the Ministry of Finance for 2026, only 117 million shekels have been transferred to the police so far, leaving 333 million shekels withheld. Levy stressed that professional objections have already been fully addressed.
"I will not allow prioritization, under the current circumstances, for any units other than the police stations." — Police Commissioner Danny Levy
Operational Consequences and Paused Projects
The commissioner detailed severe operational fallout:
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Vehicles: 88 million shekels earmarked for purchasing roughly 330 operational vehicles and patrol cars to replace aging fleet vehicles remain frozen.
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Infrastructure: 205 million shekels for construction and renovation are blocked, forcing stoppage orders for contractors at stations in Kafr Qasim, Sderot, Kiryat Ata, and Yehuday, risking public funds.
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Equipment: Procurement of operational gear such as weapons, vests, and helmets for new units, including the National Guard, is stalled.
