'New sheriff in town,' Ben-Gvir announces candidate to replace chief of police

By ALON HACHMON, ANNA BARSKY

Published: APRIL 8, 2024 17:51

Updated: APRIL 9, 2024 14:46

NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stands at the government's table in the Knesset plenum. His announcement on easing the threshold conditoins ofr license seekers was a reckless move that takes advantage of the public's fear, the writer argues. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) — NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stands at the government's table in the Knesset plenum. His announcement on easing the threshold conditoins ofr license seekers was a reckless move that takes advantage of the public's fear, the writer argues.

(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

"He is the right man to lead the Israel Police, an officer with rich, professional, and sharp experience."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced on Monday that he would be recommending that Avshalom Peled replace Kobi Shabtai as chief of police, Maariv reported.

The recommendation will be presented to the Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments and will need to be approved by the cabinet.

Peled, 63, has served as the deputy chief of police since April 2023 to Shabtai. He has about four decades of experience in the field, which includes Border Police and as a platoon commander in the IDF.

"Peled is the officer who taught me to love the Israel Police," Ben-Gvir said.

Significant upheaval

Following the appointment, the police are expected to undergo a significant upheaval because at least one high official candidate for the position is now expected to announce his retirement from the police, Maariv reported.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks at the Knesset. March 18, 2024. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

"Commissioner Peled is the right man to lead the Israel Police. Peled is an officer with rich, professional, and sharp experience. He is a fighter for the country and an administrator who will move the police forward. This is the opportunity to deeply thank the current chief Shabtai, to whom the state owes forty years of service and fighting for the people of Israel.

"About a month ago, as I recall, the Meron disaster investigation concluded that Shabtai bears personal responsibility for the disaster," Ben-Gvir continued. "The findings of the report determined that in Shabtai's case, would have led it to recommend the termination of his position, but considering the current circumstances (Israel-Hamas war), It leaves the government to determine the correct date for the end of his position."

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.