Ben-Gvir Presses Israel Police to Clamp Down on Protests Ahead of Rally

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has given the attorney general five days to approve a draft “policy document” that would sharply restrict demonstrations, warning that he will enforce the measures unilaterally if no reply is received. The ultimatum comes ahead of a mass protest next Wednesday in Jerusalem by families demanding a hostage deal and a Gaza cease-fire. Senior police officials told Haaretz that Ben-Gvir is also pressuring Police Commissioner Danny Levy and Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargaroff to use force against anti-government protesters. According to the officials, the minister has floated the possibility of removing Sargaroff if the commander does not act more aggressively, although the commissioner has publicly described Sargaroff as "an excellent officer" who will remain in his post. Levy and other top officers have signaled opposition to Ben-Gvir’s bid to curb freedom of assembly, deepening tensions between the minister and the police hierarchy. The attorney general has not commented on the ultimatum, leaving uncertainty over whether the proposed restrictions—viewed by critics as an infringement of civil rights—will take effect.