Police commissioner rejects Ben Gvir’s allegations
In a submission to the High Court, Itamar Ben Gvir accused the police commissioner of instructing officers to use severe violence against ultra-Orthodox Jews, including allegedly saying, “I Want to See Blood”.
The commissioner issued an unusually forceful response:
“These are serious, delusional, and disgraceful accusations that cross every line, particularly coming from the minister responsible for the police. Instead of supporting police officers and commanders, the minister chooses to smear them, cast doubt on their professionalism, and undermine public trust in those responsible for ensuring public safety. The Israel Police is not a tool for political attacks. The Police Commissioner, police commanders, and officers will continue to act with impartiality, professionalism, and in accordance with the laws of the State of Israel, without fear or favoritism. The Israel Police is an apolitical institution that carries out its duties equally for all Israeli citizens. That is how it has operated in the past, and that is how it will continue to operate. The Israel Police leadership and officers call on Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to retract his statement, which is offensive to all members of the Israel Police, and to do so without delay.”
18 arrested during illegal outpost evacuation
Israeli security forces arrested 18 Israelis suspected of assaulting and obstructing security personnel during the evacuation of the illegal Givat Ora Yisrael outpost near the Palestinian town of Salfit earlier today, according to the IDF.
The suspects were transferred to Judea and Samaria District Police for investigation, and several vehicles were seized.
Dozens of Border Police officers and Civil Administration soldiers arrived this morning to demolish structures at the outpost, which authorities have evacuated previously. The IDF said the renewed enforcement operation targeted illegal structures in a closed military zone “where Israeli civilians have repeatedly engaged in violent and illegal activities.”
According to the military, rioters burned tires and blocked main roads to prevent the operation. Roads remained blocked throughout the morning, disrupting residents’ daily lives and causing widespread traffic congestion. Security forces cleared the roadblocks to restore order.
The IDF said dozens of rioters “engaged in physical and verbal violence against security forces, despite the forces’ efforts to avoid physical confrontation.” It added: “Incendiary materials, weapons used for assault, and pepper spray were found in one of the vehicles.”
More than 200 illegal Israeli outposts have been established in Judea and Samaria during the outgoing government’s four-year term. Many were reportedly established in coordination with local Israeli municipal authorities, the IDF and other state agencies.
A small percentage were established without such coordination and are often targeted for enforcement by the Civil Administration.
The Civil Administration is a quasi-military agency within the Defense Ministry controlled by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has spearheaded the government’s large-scale expansion of Israeli towns, villages and outposts in Judea and Samaria.
Two lanes to close overnight at Trans-Samaria Crossing
The Defense Ministry’s Crossings Authority will carry out infrastructure work to expand the crossing on Highway 5 from 9:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, November 2, until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 3.
Two lanes will be closed during the work. Traffic will continue through the remaining three lanes.
