In an open letter addressed to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ex–Israeli police chiefs implored Netanyahu to dismiss the Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben–Gvir.
The ex–commissioners said that Ben–Gvir was utilizing his legal authority in a contrary manner, intervening in operational decisions, and capitalizing on incidents and law enforcement for his political gain.
The letter cautions that if Ben–Gvir persists with his plan of razing Palestinian residences in Jerusalem during Ramadan, it could lead to the outbreak of the third intifada, or, even worse, provoke the Muslim community to oppose Israel. This would be similar to “throwing a lit match into a barrel of gunpowder.”
Signers of the letter were ex–chiefs of police Roni Alsheich, Shlomo Aharonishki, Assaf Hefetz, Rafi Peled, and Moshe Karadi.
Ben Gvir, serving as the Israeli national security minister, is responsible for supervising the police, Border Police, and the Prison Service.
Ben Gvir disregarded the letter‘s signatories, claiming that “all of the unsuccessful law enforcement personnel have gotten together after they ruined the police force and endangered national security.”
In recent years, during the holy Muslim month, there has been an increase in the violence Israeli forces inflict on Palestinians. Oftentimes, demolitions by the Israeli occupation forces lead to confrontations with Palestinians in Jerusalem.
Ben Gvir, from the far–right Otzma Yehudit organization, has a record of making provocative comments, especially in Jerusalem where he frequently appears during times of raised tensions and has been blamed for making the situation worse.
The ultranationalist minister has promised to adopt a more forceful approach with regard to Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Ben Gvir has been charged with rioting, vandalism and inciting racism on more than 50 occasions, and has been found guilty eight times.
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