Ben Gvir attacks police commissioner amid delay of police funds: "Controlled by the attorney general"

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attacked Police Commissioner Danny Levy this evening, claiming he is controlled by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Ben Gvir said the dispute is not about budget delays but about appointments during election season. This comes amid a delay of 333 million shekels intended for the purchase of police vehicles, which have been held up in the Ministry of National Security.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply attacked Police Commissioner Danny Levy this evening (Wednesday), claiming he is controlled by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Ben Gvir made these remarks against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis between him and Levy, emphasizing that the dispute is not about delaying police budgets but about appointments during an election period. According to the minister, the commissioner is acting on the attorney general's orders, who demands he promote a close associate of hers. Ben Gvir called the attorney general a "criminal" and claimed she is trying to dictate questionable appointments contrary to proper administrative rules. Earlier this week, it was reported that Ben Gvir is delaying 333 million shekels from the state treasury intended for the police to purchase vehicles. The budget was approved six months ago, but these funds are currently held in the Ministry of National Security and have not been transferred to the police. The delay is holding up the replacement of old vehicles and the purchase of new ones. Sources in the commissioner's office said this is critical procurement for police operations, and that Ben Gvir's conduct harms officers and weakens the police. Yesterday, it was reported that police sources said the minister is creating a "circumventing commissioner axis" for transferring budgets.