According to all assessments, on Thursday the minister of national security was supposed to inform the police commissioner of his decision not to extend his term. However, the meeting scheduled for them at noon in Itamar Ben-Gvir's office was postponed until next week.
At the meeting, Ben-Gvir is supposed to update Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai on whether he will continue to serve another year or leave his position at the end of three years, in January 2024.
Police Commissioner vs. Ben-Gvir: "Without legitimacy from the public, we have no right to exist as a police" Credit: Yaniv Zohar
There are several differences of opinion between the sides, including regarding the handling of crime in Arab society, as well as regarding future appointments at the top of the organization. If indeed the minister announces that he has decided not to extend Saturn's term, such an announcement will officially jumpstart the race for the position of the next police commissioner.
The prominent candidates to replace him are Commissioner Yoram Sofer, Commissioner Avi Biton and Commissioner Yoram Turgeman. Another possibility raised is that Ben-Gvir would want to land a retired commander like Yoram Halevi.
Minister Ben-Gvir meets with leaders of the Druze community // Credit: Minister Spokesperson's Office
Work on wind turbines in the Golan Heights resumed today, despite fears that Druze residents will again try to disrupt work on them. Initially, it was reported that Police Commissioner Shabtai recommended freezing the work until Eid al-Adha, but the police clarified: "Such a decision is made by the political echelon alone." During Tuesday's riots, 27 protesters and police were injured.
Minister Ben-Gvir visited Julis, met with Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, and clarified: "The work in the Golan Heights will continue until the eve of Eid al-Adha, stop during the holiday and continue afterwards. The project will continue, and the State of Israel will not surrender to those who throw Molotov cocktails and stones."
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