Israel Police Commissioner Insp. Gen. Danny Levy denied allegations that he instructed officers to use excessive violence against haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters, according to a police statement released on Monday, amid escalating tensions between the commissioner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The dispute follows Thursday's protests, during which demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak before the unrest spread to light rail tracks in Petah Tikva. The protests turned violent, leaving three police officers and several protesters injured. Three protesters were arrested.
Police declared the demonstrations unlawful after protesters refused to disperse. Officers used batons, stun grenades and a water cannon to disperse the crowds.
"The claim that Israel Police Commissioner Insp. Gen. Danny Levy instructed officers to use violence against haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters for improper motives or in violation of the law and established procedures is baseless, entirely unfounded and outrageous," police said in the statement.
Police condemned the allegations as "serious, absurd and disgraceful accusations that cross every line, particularly coming from the minister responsible for the police."
The statement added that "the attempt to attribute to the police commissioner and police commanders a deliberate intention to harm civilians is particularly serious and constitutes a direct attack on the thousands of police officers."
Police emphasized that the force is an "apolitical organization" committed to ensuring public safety and security while carrying out its duties equally for all Israeli citizens.
"That is how it has operated, and that is how it will continue to operate," the statement said.
The police leadership and officers called on Ben-Gvir to retract his accusations, saying they harmed all those serving in the force, and urged him to do so "without delay."
Ben-Gvir stands by allegations against police commissioner
Ben-Gvir had accused Levy of ordering officers to use violence against haredi protesters, alleging that the commissioner had said he wanted to "see blood."
The minister also demanded that the High Court of Justice allow him to intervene in decisions concerning the dispersal of protests.
Following the police statement, Ben-Gvir doubled down on his allegations, with his office saying the minister stood by everything he had said.
"Police Commissioner Danny Levy instructed police forces to use severe and heightened violence against haredi protesters and was even quoted as saying, 'I want to see blood,'" his office said.
Ben-Gvir accuses police chief of misconduct, unlawful dismissals
Ben-Gvir further alleged that Levy had personally contacted officers and district commanders in the field and instructed them to use batons against protesters.
The minister also accused Levy of removing district commanders from their positions without his approval, in violation of the law.
Ben-Gvir's office also claimed that Levy traveled abroad without the minister's authorization and remained outside Israel.
"The minister appreciates and supports Israel Police officers, but direct responsibility for what is happening rests with the commissioner, who, from the moment the election results became known, decided to court Yair Golan, Yoav Segalovitz and Ra'am," the statement said.