West Bank police commander surprises by quitting
Shlomi Michael gives no reason for his decision to leave after 33 years in law enforcement
Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.
The Israel Police commander for the West Bank announced his resignation on Tuesday, just nine months after taking up the post.
Deputy Commissioner Shlomi Michael, who commands the Judea and Samaria district — the Hebrew name for the West Bank — made the announcement to fellow officers during a regional police conference.
“I took a personal decision to quit after 33 years of fulfilling and challenging service in a variety of positions,” he said in a statement. “I cherish the privilege that was given to me to influence the lives of the citizens of Israel and to contribute to their security, and thank all my partners along the way.”
He did not give a specific reason for his resignation.
Michael had informed the incoming Israel Police commissioner, Roni Alsheich, of his plans several weeks before making the formal public announcement.
Police noted that Michael’s last day in office has not yet been set and that he will leave only after completing a handover to his successor.
Michael’s resignation comes during a spate of Palestinian terror attacks in the West Bank and within the Green Line, with stabbing and shooting attacks against Israelis occurring almost daily. On Tuesday morning, three IDF soldiers and a Border Police officer were hurt in a car ramming attack at the Tapuah Junction in the northern West Bank.
Before taking over in the West Bank, Michael commanded an elite police anti-terror unit.
