A sharp dispute has emerged within Israel’s law-enforcement leadership following last week’s violent clashes between police and chareidi protesters at the entrance to Bnei Brak, with Police Commissioner Danny Levy publicly backing local commanders even as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir considers removing those involved.

The controversy follows widespread outrage over footage showing officers using force against demonstrators during anti-draft protests. Despite mounting criticism from politicians and community leaders, Levy indicated Tuesday that he supports the decisions made by commanders on the scene.

In a statement released by police, the commissioner said he had spoken with both the district commander and the station commander, reviewed the circumstances of the incident, and accepted their assessment that strong police intervention had been necessary.

According to the statement, Levy agreed “that under the circumstances of the serious incident, during which a major traffic artery was blocked during the early morning hours, causing disruption to public order and affecting the daily lives of tens of thousands of citizens, significant police action was required to restore public order.”

At the same time, police said the commissioner had instructed officials to conduct a professional review of the incident, as is customary following major operational events.

The statement further emphasized Levy’s support for officers and commanders operating in the field.

“The commissioner expressed his appreciation and support for the commanders and officers working on the ground to protect public safety and maintain public order, while making real-time decisions in a complex operational environment, and will continue to stand by them in carrying out their duties on behalf of the citizens of Israel.”

The commissioner’s remarks came just hours after Ben Gvir sent a letter demanding a thorough review of the incident and signaling that disciplinary action could follow.

In his letter, the minister cited video footage that allegedly shows officers deploying stun grenades contrary to police regulations, using excessive force against demonstrators, and humiliating civilians. Ben Gvir argued that the allegations warrant a comprehensive investigation and accountability for anyone found to have violated procedures.

The minister stressed that while he fully supports police officers who act courageously in defense of public safety, there can be no tolerance for excessive force or conduct that violates the law or the values of the police service.

As part of that review, Ben Gvir announced that he is considering using his legal authority to permanently remove officers and commanders involved in the incident, including the commander of the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police station, should the investigation confirm serious misconduct.

Ben Gvir is expected to convene an emergency meeting on the matter later this week before making a final decision.

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

The episode has intensified criticism of police conduct within the chareidi community, where anger has been building over law-enforcement responses to demonstrations against the draft decree.

For many, the scenes captured in Bnei Brak—where officers were filmed tearing protesters’ pants and using what critics described as excessive force—marked a breaking point.

In response, United Torah Judaism faction chairman MK Uri Maklev has launched an effort to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry into police conduct during anti-draft protests.

For the first time, political observers believe the proposal may have a realistic chance of passing, as opposition lawmakers who have clashed with Ben Gvir could potentially join chareidi parties in supporting the initiative.

In the explanatory notes accompanying the proposal, Maklev wrote that recent incidents demonstrated that “all red lines have been crossed” and described the police response as “severe, unrestrained and deliberate brutality against civilians.”

The proposed inquiry would examine the chain of command behind the operations, the directives issued to officers in the field, and broader policies governing the use of force against demonstrators.

Maklev has also accused authorities of selective enforcement against the chareidi public and argued that existing oversight mechanisms, including the Police Internal Investigations Department, have failed to adequately address complaints.

A recent investigative report published by Matzav.com alleged that police have repeatedly violated operational procedures during chareidi demonstrations, including the improper use of stun grenades and the direct deployment of such devices toward protesters.

{Matzav.com}