Israel police commissioner denies ordering violence against haredi protesters

Police Commissioner Danny Levy denied allegations by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that he ordered excessive force against haredi protesters during demonstrations on October 29, 2026, near Bnei Brak and Petah Tikva. Senior police commanders publicly supported Levy.

Police commanders published an unusual letter of support for Commissioner Danny Levy, following accusations by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that Levy ordered severe violence against Haredi protesters and even asked to "see blood." In the letter, signed by district and department heads, the claims were firmly rejected, stating that "the attempt to attribute improper intentions to the commissioner does not align with the reality we know up close." The commanders emphasized that Levy repeatedly stresses the duty to act professionally, proportionately, and with restraint. Levy himself issued a sharp response, calling the accusations "baseless, unfounded, and outrageous" and accused Ben Gvir of defaming police officers. Ben Gvir claimed that Levy has stopped implementing his policy since the elections, and filed a petition to the High Court of Justice to cancel an order barring him from interfering in police handling of protests, without providing evidence.