Ben Gvir vows stronger backing for police for actions taken in line of duty

In his own speech, newly minted National Security Minister Ben Gvir vows to take a harsh stand against Palestinian terrorism.

“It should be clear to anyone who wants to cause harm that they will find our security services to be powerful, focused, and capable of defending themselves, and it should be clear that security forces personnel who are defending their own lives will receive full support,” he says at the handover ceremony with Barlev.

Ben Gvir is seeking to reduce criminal liability for security forces for actions taken while on active duty, and relax open-fire regulations to enable greater leeway for law enforcement when dealing with riots and other violent situations. Barlev has insisted that security personnel already have as much freedom of operation as they need.

“Any terrorist who seeks to harm you is forfeiting his life, and I will give you full backing in this war,” continues Ben Gvir, addressing the assembled police and security personnel directly.

The new minister also hits back against comments by Barlev, who noted in his speech that he had been subjected to threats by extremist Jewish elements for criticizing violent settler activists and required security protection as a result.

“Come speak with my wife Ayala and with my children and you will find that almost every week we receive pictures of bloody knives and calls to murder us, time after time, not just from the enemies of Israel but also from anarchist Jews, and the time has come to deal with them,” says Ben Gvir.