National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sent a sharply worded letter to Police Commissioner Danny Levy on Tuesday, demanding a comprehensive review of police conduct during the Peleg Yerushalmi protest last week.

In his letter, Ben Gvir noted that videos circulated after the protest show officers throwing stun grenades directly at protesters in violation of regulations and humiliating protesters by ripping their pants and dragging them on the road. He specifically mentioned a video of an officer kicking a protester in the head.

In a particularly rare step, Ben Gvir stated that he is considering using his legal authority to permanently dismiss officers and commanders involved in the incident if the investigation determines serious misconduct on their part. One of those mentioned was the commander of the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police station, who was filmed deliberately ripping off a protester’s pants.

Ben Gvir wrote that footage of the incidents requires a thorough investigation and that action must be taken against anyone found to have acted in violation of police procedures. He stressed that while he fully supports Israel Police officers in carrying out their duties to maintain public order, there will be no tolerance for unlawful conduct or disproportionate use of force.

Ben Gvir added that he is scheduling an urgent meeting on the matter with all relevant officials later this week, after which a decision will be made on whether disciplinary and personal measures will be taken against specific officers.

“My duty is to support police officers who work to protect public safety, but also to act decisively when officers cross the line and harm citizens,” Ben Gvir wrote. “No one is above the law, and commanders will also be required to answer for their actions.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)