Exclusive: Police Commissioner Complained Ben Gvir Delays Vehicle Procurement - Odometer Shows Patrol Cars Barely Drive
Kilometer data of over 400 patrol cars in the National Traffic Police reveals a grim picture: the average monthly mileage stands at only about 5,000 km, and more than 70 patrol cars drove less than 2,000 km per month. The main reason is not a shortage of vehicles, but a severe shortage of personnel – out of about 1,000 officers, only about 400 work in the field. The data contradicts the Police Commissioner's claim that Minister Ben Gvir is delaying vehicle procurement.
An i24NEWS investigation reveals the mileage data of over 400 patrol cars in the National Traffic Police, presenting a grim picture of low utilization of the vehicle fleet. The fleet's average monthly mileage stands at only about 5,000 km, with more than 70 patrol cars driving less than 2,000 km per month. In the first five months of 2026, one patrol car drove only 317 km, six patrol cars drove less than 1,000 km, and an additional 67 patrol cars did not exceed the 10,000 km mark. In contrast, a single patrol car reached 129,000 km. The main reason the patrol cars are parked is not a shortage of vehicles, but a severe shortage of personnel. Out of about 1,000 officers and commanders serving in the National Traffic Police, more than half fill staff roles, and only about 400 officers work in the field. The data contradicts the Police Commissioner's attack on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, claiming the minister is delaying the procurement of new vehicles. The article argues that the problem is not the vehicle fleet, but the ability to staff them.