Police chief meets with Ben Gvir after public spat on obeying High Court orders

Israel Police chief Daniel Levy meets with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir this evening, in the wake of a brief public spat between the two.

A photo circulated by a police spokesperson seems to depict business as usual for Ben Gvir and Levy, who huddle at the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of a cabinet meeting.

The two discussed “a number of issues on the police agenda, including continuing the fight against criminal organizations and Operation ‘Emergency Brake’ to strengthen governance and public security,” says the spokesperson.

Earlier today, Ben Gvir interrupted the top officer mid-sentence during a press briefing, as Levy vowed to uphold a future High Court ruling on the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

Responding to a reporter’s question on the matter, Levy asked how anyone could think “that the police commissioner… would not enforce the law and not listen to the court?” He went on to pledge to uphold the decision and “fight for democracy until our last drop of blood.”

Ben Gvir cut him off a few seconds later, saying, “They’re provoking you,” to which Levy retorted: “Let me finish.” Levy then said, “Anyone who thinks differently is wrong.”