Tel Aviv. In Israel, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to establish a “Guard Force” under the far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir raises concerns.
While Netanyahu announced on March 27 that he postponed the judicial regulation that caused mass protests and strikes across the country, on the same day, in a written statement from the Jewish Power Party led by Ben-Gvir, it was stated that the Prime Minister and the Minister agreed on the creation of a “guard force”. The “guard force” to be formed under the Ministry of National Security was established with the decision taken at the Council of Ministers meeting. The Times of Israel news site also wrote that Ben Gvir “received the National Guard in exchange for accepting the temporary suspension of judicial reform laws”.
‘National Guard’ at the center of reactions
Opposition leader Jair Lapid said on Sunday that the government’s decision „ridiculous and despicable“ denounced it. According to the opposition, ministers are at the expense of other areas such as health, education and security. „a special army of bandits“ they voted for. According to media reports, some ministers opposed this decision during the meeting, but voted in favor of the resolution at the insistence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the plans, the National Guard will work in parallel with the police and army and deal with “civil unrest” across the country. Critics warn that the unit, consisting of about 2,000 officers, could be used specifically against the Arab population or against anti-government demonstrators.
With the establishment of the National Guard, Netanyahu made a concession to Ben-Gvir, whose ministry is also in charge of the police. The minister had previously threatened to resign if the restructuring of the judiciary was suspended.
Ben-Gvir is seen as a “political arsonist”
Police Chief Jaakov Shabtai, on the other hand, spoke of the “dramatic consequences” for Israel’s internal security if the National Guard were attached directly to Ben-Gvir. The unit will reportedly consist of soldiers, reservists and volunteers.
A committee will discuss the final staffing and clarify responsibilities over the next three months, the prime minister’s office said in a statement. It is not yet clear who will be in command. Experts think it may take several months for the plans to come to fruition.
Ben-Gvir convicted of racist incitement “a political arsonist” seen as. The convicted lawyer repeatedly criticized the actions of the police against the anti-government demonstrators as “too weak”. It has repeatedly fueled conflict with the Palestinians in the past. Events organized by supporters “Death to Arabs” ve „Close to their village“ Slogans like these are not uncommon. He claims that he has not used such expressions for “years”.
Political scientist Talschir: „Shame for Israel“
Political scientist Gail Talschir “It is shameful for Israel to give a private militia to a convicted racist” said. Ben-Gvir already has radical followers and supporters who think they’re above the law – now they’re buying guns.
The idea of the national guard has been talked about for years. The previous government had similar plans after the riots in Arab-Israeli cities. Political scientist Talschir “But what is new is that this force is subordinate to the Ministry of Homeland Security rather than the police” said. In addition, the size and financial resources of the power will be significantly increased.
‘Netanyahu’s attempt to silence demonstrators failed’
Nearly a quarter of a million people demonstrated again on Saturday against the plans of the right-wing religious government, although plans to restructure the judiciary were temporarily halted. Organizers ‘Netanyahu’s attempt to silence demonstrators failed’ said.
Opposition leader Lapid on Twitter „We are on the alert. The danger is not over yet.” On the other hand, he had many times recently doubted Netanyahu’s seriousness in reaching a compromise. Discussions on the controversial draft law continue between the coalition and the opposition. (Agencies, English-language Israeli press, yenivatan.at)