Middle East
National Guard for Israel’s far-right police minister?
Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. photo
© Abir Sultan/Pool EPA/AP/dpa
He is considered a political arsonist. Now Israel’s right-wing extremist police minister, Ben-Gvir, could have an armed “private army.” Critics warn of far-reaching consequences.
Despite a suspended judicial reform, Israel does not come to rest. On Sunday, the government paved the way for the creation of a national guard that could be placed under the authority of far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
To finance the controversial project, the government approved budget cuts for all ministries. Around one billion shekels (255 million euros) are estimated. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to protest against the planned judicial reform. The security situation in the West Bank remains tense.
Opposition leader Jair Lapid condemned the government decision as “ridiculous and despicable”. The ministers voted for “a private army of thugs” – at the expense of other areas such as health, education and security. According to media reports, several ministers spoke out against it during the meeting. Ultimately, however, they voted in favor at the urging of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu made a concession to Ben-Gvir by establishing a national guard. The 46-year-old had previously threatened to resign if the controversial judicial reform were to be suspended despite all the protests.
Private army for Ben-Gvir?
According to Ben-Gvir’s plans, the unit will work alongside the police and military and deal with “civil unrest” across the country. Critics warn that he could deploy the 2,000-strong force against the Arab population or anti-government demonstrators.
Ben-Gvir, convicted of racist hate speech, is considered a political arsonist. The convicted lawyer repeatedly criticized the police’s actions against anti-government demonstrators as “too weak”. In the past, he repeatedly heated up the conflict with the Palestinians. Cries of “death to the Arabs” and “burn their villages” are not uncommon at events from his supporters. He himself states that he has not used such expressions “for years”.
Police chief warns of “dramatic consequences”
Police chief Jaakov Schabtai spoke of “dramatic consequences” for Israel’s internal security if the National Guard were to report directly to Ben-Gvir. The unit is said to be made up of conscripts, reservists and volunteers. According to the Prime Minister’s office, a committee will discuss the exact appointment and clarify responsibilities over the next three months. Accordingly, it is not yet clear who will have command authority. Experts assume that it could take several months for the plans to be implemented.
“It’s a shame for Israel that a convicted racist should get a private militia,” says political scientist Gail Talschir. Ben-Gvir already has radical supporters who feel above the law – now they are getting weapons.
The idea of a National Guard has been discussed for years. The previous government had similar plans after massive unrest in Arab-Israeli cities. “What is new, however, is that the troops could be subordinated to the Ministry for National Security rather than to the police,” says Talschir. In addition, the scope and financial resources are to be increased significantly.
Protests don’t stop
Despite the temporary halt to judicial reform, around a quarter of a million people demonstrated again on Saturday against the plans of the right-wing religious government. “Netanyahu’s attempt to silence the demonstrators has failed,” the organizers said. Lapid wrote on Twitter: “We are on guard. The danger is not over yet.” Recently he had repeatedly doubted Netanyahu’s seriousness in wanting to reach a compromise. Talks are currently underway between the coalition and the opposition on the controversial bill.