Tensions Rise Between Police Commissioner and National Security Minister
The ongoing conflict between Israel’s Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir highlights the deep-seated tensions that have existed for years. Historically, the police commissioner is appointed by the government, which provides them with a degree of independence, while the minister holds the authority to approve promotions for officers of deputy superintendent rank and higher. This fine balance has consistently resulted in clashes over the years, but the current feud seems particularly intense.
The immediate cause of the recent explosion between Shabtai and Ben Gvir centers around five key police promotions. Shabtai requested to advance these officers, but Ben Gvir declined to sign off on them. The premier example is Deputy Superintendent Dror Asraf, proposed as the head of Lahav 433, a unit facing allegations of partiality due to Asraf’s supposed connections with former intelligence chief Mani Yitzchak. Others in Ben Gvir’s circle claim close ties between Shabtai and the proposed officers, indicating favoritism rather than merit-based promotions.
Additional friction points include the appointment of Sub-Commissioner Yoram Barina, National Traffic Police’s commander, and Lieutenant Commander Shai Hakimi, expected head of the spokeswoman division. As with Asraf, accusations of favoritism swirled around these nominations. The role of commander of the YMM, a sensitive position, added further tension where the candidate proposed did not seem to meet traditional qualifications according to Ben Gvir’s office.
Mount Meron Incident and Ministerial Overreach
Compounding this crisis were recent events at Mount Meron, where worshipers faced police violence, leading to further confrontations between Shabtai and Ben Gvir. With Ben Gvir intervening directly in the suspension and subsequent ‘removal from activity’ of involved police officers, Shabtai appealed to the Attorney-General, citing overreach and violation of High Court decisions by the minister. Ben Gvir's direct communication with police commanders raised issues regarding bypassing proper protocol, thereby escalating the administrative turmoil.
Ben Gvir criticized Shabtai’s absence at the Mount Meron incident, accusing him of neglecting duty and suggesting he might be contemplating a future beyond the police force. This public spat demonstrated the extraordinary pressures and operational challenges within Israel’s national security apparatus amid heightened internal and external conflicts.
- In previous years, such conflicts have seen ministers and commissioners work towards aligning their visions and reaching mutual understandings. However, the current climate appears particularly charged due to personalities and the specific nature of pending promotions and policy disagreements.
- A deeper look into this issue reveals the layers of operational complexities in managing Israel's national security framework. The involvement of the Attorney-General and references to High Court decisions signify the legal rigor governing police and security administration in Israel.
