Controversy Surrounds Ben-Gvir's Proposed National Guard in Israel

Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai has warned that the formation of a national guard that reports directly to the national security minister rather than the police would lead to a breakdown of the police force and damage to citizens’ security. The cabinet on Sunday voted to approve the establishment of a national guard, which far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had demanded would report directly to him. The controversial force is expected to comprise 2,000 servicemembers who will be tasked with tackling “nationalist crime” and terrorism, and “restoring governance where needed.”