Israeli govt backs new Ben-Gvir appointed police commissioner

The Israeli government has given its backing to Israel's new police chief after his appointment by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday.

Danny Levy, the former police chief of the Costal District, took up the role in a ceremony in Jerusalem where he was quoted by Haaretz as saying that his mission was to "strengthen governance and fight anyone who tries to undermine authority".

He added that "governance and sovereignty are the cornerstones of a well-functioning society".

Ben-Gvir, who heads the National Security Ministry and requested Levy's appointment, said that he "brings a Zionist and Jewish agenda and will lead the police according to the policy I have laid out for him."

Ben Gvir added that "we are the lord of this lands - it's time of us to take control."

Both figures have pursued a hardline agenda regarding policing in Israel since the inauguration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu's latest coalition government.

During his tenure as Police Commissioner for the Costal District Levy took a tough approach to anti-Netanyahu protesters during the nationwide protests that took place for much of 2023, prior to the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza.

During the war he had also banned pro-ceasefire protests and prohibited Israeli left-wing party Hadash from protesting in Haifa, although this was later retracted following High Court criticism.

Both have also come under fire for the soaring rate of murders among Palestinian citizens of Israel, which prompted protests among the community and accusations that the Israeli police was not doing enough to tackle the issue.

According to Haaretz the two are close, with sources telling the publication that a channel was established between the two prior to his current appointment, with Levy keeping Gvir up to date about police developments.

Hundreds of objections were filed against Levy's appointment to the role over his policing policies towards protests, in particular those held outside Netanyahu's residents in Caesarea.

Levy will serve a three-year term, with Gvir saying he will strengthen the police and establish the new national guard that Gvir announced during the judicial protests.

Levy's appointment comes following a spat between Gvir and the outgoing police commissioner Kobi Shabtai, who warned of a politicisation of the police.

They also rowed over Shabtai's instructions to Israeli police to protect aid convoys entering Gaza after far-right protesters set fire to aid trucks and assaulted drivers.