The Association for Civil Rights in Israel
Since the Gaza war began, the Israeli police have intensified repression of dissent, particularly targeting those calling for an end to the conflict. Officers have confiscated signs from protesters and arrested individuals for displaying disapproved messages, effectively controlling which opinions are permitted. Meanwhile, right-wing "protesters" who looted aid trucks to Gaza and vandalized property have faced no intervention, with police officers often looking on approvingly. The Israeli police have become a political militia serving the government, and the Supreme Court is hesitant to intervene.
How Did We Get Here?
When the current governing coalition was formed, Netanyahu courted Itamar Ben-Gvir, an extremist settler and admirer of Meir Kahana, to join his government. Ben-Gvir insisted on controlling the police with unprecedented powers, becoming the Minister of National Security. Aware of the police's existing issues with violence and corruption, Ben-Gvir exploited these weaknesses to turn the force into his personal militia. He promoted loyal officers and personally intervened in suppressing anti-government protests. Publicly, he encourages police to target activists while his supporters revel in the state violence directed at those they despise
The Court Looks the Other Way
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel petitioned the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling on the right to protest. Such a ruling would offer clear guidelines for the police and provide a means to hold officers accountable for violently destroying anti-war signs. Unfortunately, the court opted not to intervene, asserting that the police are already "handling the matter." Oded Feller, the head of the legal division in the association summed it up well when he said: "We hoped the court would require the police to clarify their illegal actions in nearly 20 different incidents from the past two months presented before it, in which officers seized and damaged signs and dispersed protests violently. Unfortunately, the court chose to ignore what is now clear to anyone following the police—they have become a nationalist and criminal organization serving Ben-Gvir and the government. Clear guidelines are needed, along with enforcement. Since we are witnessing repeated instances of officers and commanders violating the law, we call on those affected to reach out to us, and we commit to continue fighting for their rights."
What is at Stake?
Since Ben-Gvir ascended to his post, the police had been rapidly transforming as the few legal guardrails were cast aside and influence of the minister became present. Just yesterday Ben-Gvir appointed a new general inspector to head the police, one loyal to him who promised he has:”a Jewish agenda”. Police brutality is on the rise and enforcement is clearly selective, targeting people who oppose the government, especially if they oppose the war and the occupation. How long will they go on claiming Israel is ‘the only democracy in the middle east’? Current political reality shows us democracy is only for the Jews, and only people who are loyal to the government are considered Jews.
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