POLICE BRUTALITY: Commissioner Contradicts Ben-Gvir, Backs Officers Accused of Vicious Assault on Chareidi Protesters

A public dispute has erupted between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy over the conduct of officers during last week’s violent dispersal of Chareidi anti-draft protesters in Bnei Brak.

Just hours after Ben Gvir announced he was considering dismissing Bnei Brak station commander Chief Superintendent Yuval Shavit over footage showing officers using force against demonstrators, Levy issued a statement expressing full confidence in the commanders who oversaw the operation.

Following a meeting with district and station commanders, Levy accepted their assessment that “significant police action” was necessary to restore order after hundreds of protesters blocked Route 4 during the early morning hours, disrupting traffic for tens of thousands of motorists.

The commissioner also ordered a professional review of the incident but praised the officers’ real-time decision-making in what police described as a “complex operational reality.”

Ben Gvir responded that while he respects the commissioner’s position, the review must lead to “significant steps” to ensure similar incidents do not recur.

Earlier Tuesday, Ben Gvir sent a letter to Levy stating that he was considering permanently removing officers and commanders found to have violated police procedures, including the Bnei Brak station commander.

The minister’s comments came after videos circulated widely showing officers dragging Chareidi protesters by their ankles, tearing one protester’s pants, and using stun grenades and batons during the demonstration. The footage sparked widespread criticism within the Chareidi community and prompted renewed calls for an independent investigation into police conduct.

United Torah Judaism MK Uri Maklev has since announced plans to seek the establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry into police handling of anti-draft demonstrations, arguing that “all red lines were crossed” and alleging systematic excessive force against Chareidi protesters.