Tables Turned: Ben

Israel Police Chief Kobi Shabtai's treatment of the far-right national security minister comes as he reportedly seeks an extension to his term as police commissioner

Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, donned a police uniform during a visit to the Border Police training base in the West Bank. This visit was organized by Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and Border Police Commander Yitzhak Brik.

During the visit, senior officers from the Border Police offered the minister an in-depth look at the training facilities at the base. They also arranged for him to a ride in a Border Police off-road vehicle, with Commissioner Shabtai personally driving. The Border Police's official spokesperson publicized photos from this event.

The Minister's Chief of Staff, Chanamel Dorfman, a former far-right settler activist, also participated by wearing a tactical shirt of the Border Police, given to him by the commanders.

Ben-Gvir and Dorfman, who had both previously been the targets of Shin Bet investigations and therefore did not serve in the IDF, were guided through the base by the Border Police commander and the Police Commissioner. They were shown the various operational capabilities of the organization and received a briefing.

In a joint statement from the Border Police and Ben Gvir's office, it was emphasized that the Minister was exposed to "scenarios in the training facilities and operational capabilities, the technological and intelligence means that the unit employs for various combat tasks in the field." Commissioner Shabtai also provided an overview of the available weaponry of the Border Police.

Recent reports from Haaretz suggest that Shabtai is actively vying to extend Ben Gvir's tenure by a year, despite his initial intention to conclude his term in January 2024 after three years.

Various sources in the police have indicated that Shabtai's associates are working to convince members of Ben Gvir's staff, especially Dorfman, to support Shabtai's attempts to continue in his position.

Recent incidents have indicated a possible reconciliation between the two sides. For instance, during a meeting with senior police officials last month, Shabtai requested that his deputies refrain from communicating with the Minister without his approval. This request followed a conversation between Ben-Gvir and the Central District Commander, Avi Biton, during which Ben-Gvir expressed dissatisfaction with the organization's conduct.

Observers within the police believe that Shabtai's instruction is aimed at keeping his deputies at a distance from Ben-Gvir, possibly in anticipation of his eventual decision on the next Commissioner.

It has also been announced on Wednesday that Ben-Gvir will hold a "special meeting and support talk" for officers from the Special Forces Unit in Tel Aviv on Wednesday following recent events and the ongoing investigation by the Police regarding several unit members.

Tel Aviv Police Chief Superintendent Yair Hanuna and four of his officers were investigated on Wednesdayon suspicion of attacking anti-judicial overhaul protesters last week.

The Justice Ministry unit that investigates police misconduct, known by the Hebrew acronym Mahash, are investigating the policemen.