Tensions are running high within the upper ranks of the Israel Police over the handling of Chareidi protests, against the backdrop of the highly publicized confrontation between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levy.

Senior police officers and district commanders told Channel 14 that the dispute between Ben Gvir and Levy is affecting officers on the ground.

“The dispute is trickling down to officers on the ground, who don’t know how they’re expected to act,” they said. “Levy has failed to present a clear policy on the protests during senior command meetings, and as a result, the officers bearing the brunt of harsh public criticism are those on the front lines, who are already operating under difficult conditions. It is time for Levy to provide decisive leadership and implement a clear, consistent policy.”

At the same time, another source of tension has emerged—between Levy and the police spokesperson’s division. According to the report, Levy reprimanded members of the spokesperson’s unit, saying he was dissatisfied with the media handling of the crisis involving the Chareidi community.

Levy added that “the IDF dumped responsibility for the arrest of draft evaders on us and then disappeared.”

He went on to discuss his past relationship with the Chareidi public, saying: “I used to be able to walk through Bnei Brak and people would ask to take pictures with me. Today, I can’t even enter the city.”

Meanwhile, senior officials in the Tel Aviv District told i24NEWS that Superintendent Yuval Shavit, commander of the Bnei Brak police station, who was filmed deliberately ripping off a protester’s pants during the Peleg Yerushalmi protest last week, will not be removed from his position.

“A dismissal is not possible without a recommendation from the commissioner,” they said.

The remarks come after Ben Gvir announced on Tuesday that he is scheduling an urgent meeting regarding the police violence at the Chareidi protest last week, and a decision will be made on whether disciplinary and personal measures will be taken against specific officers.

In response, Levy publicly backed the commander and officers who were filmed using disproportionate violence and deliberate humiliation against the protesters. “A significant operation was required to restore public order,” he said. “I express my appreciation for and support the commanders and officers operating in the field, making decisions in real time,” he said.

Ben Gvir responded to Levy by saying: “I respect the commissioner, but after the lesson-learning process is completed, significant steps are required to ensure that such events do not recur, and that is what we’ll do.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)