'New sheriff in town,' Ben-Gvir announces candidate to replace chief of police
"He is the right man to lead the Israel Police, an officer with rich, professional, and sharp experience."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced on Monday that he would be recommending that Avshalom Peled replace Kobi Shabtai as chief of police, Maariv reported.
The recommendation will be presented to the Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments and will need to be approved by the cabinet.
Peled, 63, has served as the deputy chief of police since April 2023 to Shabtai. He has about four decades of experience in the field, which includes Border Police and as a platoon commander in the IDF.
"Peled is the officer who taught me to love the Israel Police," Ben-Gvir said.
Significant upheaval
Following the appointment, the police are expected to undergo a significant upheaval because at least one high official candidate for the position is now expected to announce his retirement from the police, Maariv reported."About a month ago, as I recall, the Meron disaster investigation concluded that Shabtai bears personal responsibility for the disaster," Ben-Gvir continued. "The findings of the report determined that in Shabtai's case, would have led it to recommend the termination of his position, but considering the current circumstances (Israel-Hamas war), It leaves the government to determine the correct date for the end of his position."
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.