National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a letter this morning (Tuesday) to Police Commissioner Danny Levy, following the unusual events documented during the protest by the "Herzpnikim" faction on Highway 4 near Bnei Brak last Wednesday - in protest against the imprisonment of Haredi "deserters.".
In his letter, Ben Gvir noted that the released footage had sparked "a severe public outcry and widespread outrage," and that it showed police officers throwing stun grenades in violation of procedures, dragging protesters down the road, and humiliating them. He also mentioned the footage showing a police officer kicking a protester in the head.
According to him, all of this requires a thorough investigation and the full application of justice to anyone who deviated from the procedures.
The minister made it clear that, alongside the full support he provides to the Israel Police officers who act with courage and determination, there will be no tolerance for excessive violence or conduct that is inconsistent with police values and the law.
""Just as it is my right and even my duty to support police officers who act courageously, so it is my right and even my duty to act when police officers go beyond the line and seriously harm civilians," he wrote.
Ben Gvir mentioned that according to the police statement, the events will be investigated and examined in depth, as well as the Commissioner's words that if it is found that commanders and police officers acted contrary to procedures, they will be dealt with severely. He noted that the Tel Aviv District Commander has already ordered the suspension from operational activity of the police officer who was recorded kicking a protester.
The minister also referred to the commander of the Bnei Brak station, Lt. Col. Yuval Shavit, who was documented in one of the videos from the protest. The minister mentioned the public criticism that was leveled at his conduct and noted that as part of the investigation, the actions of the commanders who were responsible for managing the event on the ground will also be examined.
In the letter, the minister announced that he is considering using his legal authority to permanently remove from the Israel Police the police officers and commanders involved in the incident, who allegedly acted in a manner that unreasonably deviated from the standard expected of police officers - if it is determined that there were indeed serious deviations from procedures. He said that such a step would be considered only after examining all the evidence and hearing the claims of those involved.
Minister Ben Gvir is expected to hold an urgent discussion on the issue this week with all relevant parties, before making a final decision.
“My duty is to hold officers accountable for public safety, but also to act decisively when officers step out of line and harm citizens. No one is above the law, and commanders will also be held accountable for their actions.”.
