National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir filed an emergency petition with Israel’s Supreme Court on Monday, accusing Police Commissioner Danny Levy of personally ordering officers to use excessive force against Chareidi demonstrators, including stun grenades and batons, and alleging that the police chief made the shocking statement, “I want to see blood.”

The explosive allegation, which has not been independently verified, comes amid mounting outrage over police violence during demonstrations in Yerushalayim, Beit Shemesh, and along Highway 4, where numerous Chareidi protesters have been injured in recent days.

According to B’Chadrei Chareidim, Ben Gvir submitted the urgent request through his attorney, Ze’ev Wolf, demanding that the Supreme Court overturn an interim order restricting his authority to intervene in police operations involving demonstrations.

In his filing, Ben Gvir alleges that Commissioner Levy personally contacted senior field officers, regional commanders, and district commanders before demonstrations began, instructing them to use batons and stun grenades against Chareidi protesters.

The minister further claims that Levy explicitly told officers he wanted to see blood.

Ben Gvir contends that the alleged instructions violated operational procedures and the established chain of command, creating a dangerous situation that could result in serious injuries or loss of life.

The allegations have not been established as fact, and the report did not provide independent confirmation of the alleged statement attributed to Levy.

Videos Show Police Using Stun Grenades And Batons

The petition follows a series of violent confrontations between police and Chareidi demonstrators protesting the arrest of yeshiva bochurim over military conscription.

On Sunday evening, demonstrations erupted in Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh following the arrest of newly married chosson Yaari Lieberman, who was detained by military police while traveling with his kallah to a Sheva Brachos celebration.

Lieberman was subsequently sentenced to 20 days in military prison, triggering widespread condemnation from Chareidi lawmakers and demonstrations demanding his release.

Footage from the protests showed police officers throwing stun grenades toward crowds, in some instances apparently from close range, while other videos showed officers striking demonstrators with batons.

Several protesters were injured in Beit Shemesh, including teenagers. Monday’s report also described a 21-year-old man who was evacuated to a hospital in moderate condition after sustaining serious injuries to his legs.

Additional confrontations took place last Thursday during a Yerushalmi Faction demonstration on Highway 4, where footage showed stun grenades being used against protesters. Several demonstrators required medical treatment.

Police have maintained that officers were responding to violent disturbances, including demonstrators throwing stones and other objects at security forces.

Ben Gvir Alleges Double Standard In Treatment Of Protesters

In his Supreme Court filing, Ben Gvir also accuses the police leadership of selective enforcement, alleging that Chareidi protesters are subjected to harsher treatment than demonstrators associated with Israel’s political left.

The minister claims that Levy’s recent conduct raises concerns that considerations unrelated to professional policing are influencing decisions about the use of force.

Beyond the handling of demonstrations, Ben Gvir’s petition includes several additional allegations concerning the commissioner’s conduct.

He accuses Levy of transferring regional police commanders without obtaining the minister’s approval, allegedly in violation of the law.

Ben Gvir also claims that the commissioner has failed to attend operational assessments and routine meetings and has traveled abroad without notifying the minister or obtaining the required authorization.

The minister linked his criticism of Levy to Israel’s recent election results, suggesting that the police commissioner was adjusting his conduct in anticipation of a possible change in government.

“Danny Levy was a police commissioner who implemented the policy until the election results, and now he is preparing himself for Segalovitz,” Ben Gvir said, referring to Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz.

Ben Gvir made similar accusations following last week’s Highway 4 demonstrations, claiming that Levy was attempting to ingratiate himself with a potential incoming government.

Police officials rejected those allegations at the time, maintaining that officers were carrying out their responsibility to preserve public order and respond to unlawful disturbances.

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