Acting top cop Bentzi Sau to retire at end of December

Incoming police chief Roni Alsheich praises acting comissioner as ‘honorable’ professional who led national police force during terror wave

By ToI Staff 29 November 2015, 12:06 pm

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File: Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan and then-acting police commissioner Benzi Sau (right) attend an Internal Affairs Committee session in the Knesset on October 12, 2015. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Acting police chief Bentzi Sau will leave the ranks of the Israel Police at the end of December in order to allow Roni Alsheich, the man appointed to replace him, to assume the role.

According to a statement from the police, Sau told Alsheich and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan last month of his intention to leave at the end of 2015.

Sau will also oversee turnover in two other top police posts, the deputy commissioner and Tel Aviv District commander.

Alsheich, the former deputy head of the Shin Bet security service, thanked Sau for his dedication, professionalism and the “honorable” way he fulfilled his duties during the overlap period, which saw a wave of Palestinian stabbing, shooting and car-ramming terror attacks throughout the country.

Shin Bet deputy chief Roni Alsheich, a candidate for Israel police commissioner, arrives at the Prime Minister's Office, October 1, 2015, to testify before the Turkel Commission on senior public service appointments. (Miriam Alster/Flash90) — Shin Bet deputy chief Roni Alsheich, a candidate for Israel police commissioner, arrives at the Prime Minister’s Office, October 1, 2015, to testify before the Turkel Commission on senior public service appointments. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Alsheich thanked Sau for his willingness to remain in the post several weeks beyond his original retirement date after Alsheich broke his leg two weeks ago and was hospitalized.

Sau said: “I am grateful for the privilege of being able to serve the citizens of the State of Israel for 38 years in a variety of roles and challenges. I am proud of the thousands of commanders, police officers and Border Police officers and the volunteers who were under my command over the years of my service.”

Sau wished Alsheich and the police success.

Alsheich turned down an offer to serve as chief of police in the past, but changed his mind after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told him he would not be considered to head the Shin Bet.

The police force has been riven by several scandals involving allegations of fraud and sexual abuse in recent years, and several candidates reportedly turned down offers to head the troubled body.