Police Volunteer Fired for Criticizing Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir
In a shocking turn of events, Lior Lifshitz, a police volunteer, was recently relieved of his duties for expressing his opinion about Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. The police claimed that volunteers are not allowed to publicly express their political stance.
Lifshitz took to Facebook to voice his concerns and called on Minister Ben Gvir to adopt a different approach towards the ongoing protests in the country. According to him, the government’s discourse was inciting violence against the protesters. However, the authorities did not take kindly to his comments and decided to terminate his position as a police volunteer.
In response to the dismissal, Lifshitz’s lawyer, Dr. Tal Rothman from the Perl Cohen office, released a statement on his behalf. The statement emphasized that Lifshitz’s criticism was solely directed towards Minister Ben Gvir and was not meant to target the police or any of his colleagues.
“My client’s sharp criticism was directed solely against the appointed minister. This is a politician, who is not part of the police, is not a police officer, is not a colleague, and is not a commander, who chooses to consistently incite against large sections of the country’s citizens, whom he calls ‘privileged,’ including my client,” the statement read.
The letter further criticized the decision to dismiss Lifshitz, calling it a “blatant, serious, and illegal interference by the political echelon in the work of the police.” It argued that the decision was disproportionate and should be revoked immediately. Lifshitz’s lawyer also highlighted his client’s right to freedom of speech and asserted that he should be allowed to criticize the minister without fear of retribution.
In the Facebook post that led to his dismissal, Lifshitz questioned the Minister’s labeling of him as a “stinking and traitorous leftist” despite not identifying as such. He also expressed his desire for harmony and understanding between people with differing political beliefs.
The incident has sparked significant debate and raised concerns about the limitation of freedom of speech within the police force. Many are questioning whether the authorities are overstepping their bounds by punishing a volunteer for expressing their personal views.
As for Lifshitz, he remains determined to fight against his dismissal and hopes to be reinstated as a volunteer in the police force.
This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be struck between the right to freedom of expression and the code of conduct expected from those working in law enforcement.