[47617] Controversy over participation of senior police officers in Minister Ben Gvir's birthday party

Controversy over participation of superintendents in Minister Ben Gvir's birthday party

A public and political storm broke out following the approval given by Police Commissioner, Inspector General Danny Levy, for members of the General Staff (SAFAM) to participate in the birthday celebration of the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir. According to reports by North Media, the Commissioner clarified that the permit was granted only to senior organization officials, while lower-ranking officers and policemen are not permitted to attend the event.

At the event itself, the presence of senior security officials was documented, including Jerusalem District Commander, Superintendent Avshalom Peled, and the Minister's Military Secretary, Superintendent Sami Marziano, alongside senior officials from the Israel Prison Service (report by Amir Ettinger and Yuval Segev). This presence drew sharp criticism from political figures. MK Yoav Segalovitz described the step as "morally and ethically severe," while Yair Golan called the move "humiliating, a spit in the face of the citizens."

On the other hand, among the Minister's supporters reflected in channels such as Moti Kastel, the emphasis was placed on the festive and family aspect of the event. Avishai Grinzaig expressed criticism regarding the very arrival of the IPS Commissioner at the event, in short words: "A pity."

The issue of the boundaries between the political echelon and the professional echelon became a subject of broad public discussion following the event. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the storm and said that "whoever violates the duty of loyalty to the state - shall be dismissed." As of the latest reports, the list of participants included additional senior figures, among them Minister Israel Katz, which highlighted the high political involvement surrounding the private celebration.