Minister of National Security Takes Action Following Mount Meron Disaster Report
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has announced significant changes in the Israel Police leadership following recommendations from the State Commission of Inquiry on the Mount Meron disaster. Ben Gvir informed the High Court that he plans to propose ending the term of Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai based on the inquiry's findings. This move follows the recent controversy and mounting allegations of dysfunction within the police force under Shabtai’s leadership.
Cancellation of the Commissioner’s Hearing
Initially, Ben Gvir had summoned Shabtai for a hearing, providing him an opportunity to respond to these allegations. However, the hearing was canceled after legal advisors indicated such an action might exceed ministerial authority. Instead, the Ministry of National Security intends to follow the Commission of Inquiry's recommendations and discuss the termination of Shabtai’s term within the government in ten days.
The strained relationship between Ben Gvir and Shabtai has been evident since the former took office. The tensions have been exacerbated by various incidents, including differences over police conduct during public protests and the controversial handling of Mount Meron incidents. Ben Gvir cites Shabtai’s underperformance and absence during critical periods as significant factors for this intended action.
Shabtai, on the other hand, emphasized during a recent speech at the annual Bar Association conference that the police must remain free of political influences. He defended his tenure, referencing ongoing initiatives, such as the establishment of the National Guard under the Border Guard within the Israeli Police.
The ongoing dispute reached a peak when Shabtai contacted Government Legal Advisor Gali Baharav-Miara following what he described as inappropriate ministerial interference in police operations. This followed an incident involving police violence against worshippers at Mount Meron, which Ben Gvir addressed directly by discussing sanctions against involved officers without consulting Shabtai.
- In his letter to Commissioner Shabtai, Ben Gvir criticized his performance, stating that he could no longer remain a passive observer given the numerous reports of dysfunction within the police. The decision to summon Shabtai was, in part, influenced by his alleged failure to address serious crimes such as car theft and violence in the Arab sector.
- Ben Gvir's call for holding police officers accountable in cases of misconduct is seen as an attempt to reset police conduct norms following events at Mount Meron. The minister's actions highlight ongoing struggles between maintaining police independence and ensuring executive accountability within Israel's security framework.
