The escalating dispute between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israel Police leadership has expanded to the police budget, with NIS 333 million in Treasury funding currently being held by the National Security Ministry rather than transferred to the police.

Police sources claim the delay is harming the force’s operations and accuse Ben Gvir of using the money as a “bargaining chip” in his ongoing disputes with Police Commissioner Daniel Levy. The sources sharply criticized the minister, accusing him of withholding funds despite the disagreements with Levy not being related to the budget.

Ben Gvir’s office rejected the accusations, saying the money will not be transferred until officials review how it would be allocated. “There will be no extravagant celebrations at the expense of the field,” his associates said.

Sources close to Ben Gvir further alleged that funding previously provided by the minister was used to upgrade vehicles for the police commissioner and headquarters personnel rather than being directed toward officers in the field. They said Ben Gvir considers such spending unacceptable and wants to ensure additional resources reach frontline police.

The budget dispute comes as tensions between Ben Gvir and Levy also intensified Sunday over senior police appointments. Ben Gvir announced that he will not approve new appointments in the force until after the elections.

In a letter to Levy, Ben Gvir accused the commissioner of refusing for four months to advance a round of appointments despite repeated requests, only to raise the matter after Israel entered an election period.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)