Israel Police Deploy 22,000 Officers for Post-Election Security

Israel Police have mobilized 22,000 officers to manage public order around the upcoming election for the 26th Knesset. The security operation prioritizes the period after voting concludes, with officials expecting heightened tension once exit polls are released at 10:00 p.m. on election day.

A senior police official stated that while voting day is likely to remain calm, the following days present a greater risk. The official warned that results could drive either celebratory or angry crowds into the streets. "I think the day after, as we call it, is no less sensitive," he said. Police expect friction and confrontations to continue through the night and into the weekend, requiring large forces to remain active nationwide.

Security personnel will also secure five major party gatherings. Four of these events will take place in Tel Aviv, while Likud will hold its event at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official noted that such large-scale political events require substantial police presence to maintain order.

This deployment represents an increase from the roughly 17,000 officers used in the previous election. A comprehensive briefing was presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was joined by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The briefing covered intelligence assessments, threats from hostile terrorist activity, and operational readiness. The official said the Prime Minister and his ministry director-general were impressed by the staff work, noting that police have prepared for three months alongside the Shin Bet and the IDF.

The police chief emphasized the necessity of political independence for the force. "It is completely impossible to hold elections in the State of Israel without an apolitical police force," the official said. He added that the police must remain free of political influence in both conduct and public perception, even while operating under the National Security Minister.

Concerns about post-election instability are not new. In August, Maariv military correspondent Avi Ashkenazi reported that the defense establishment prepared for a scenario called Operation Capitol. This plan, modeled after the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol, addresses situations where a political bloc claims results are forged and acts to undermine public order. A team led by retired Maj.-Gen. Sigal Bar-Tzvi drafted the order, which covers fraud claims and attempts to storm the Knesset.

A senior retired police officer advised that Police Commissioner Danny Levy should focus on election night rather than just voting day. He described a dangerous scenario where a bloc leader rejects results and mobilizes supporters, prompting the opposing camp to defend the democratic process. In such a case, he said, police would require assistance from the IDF.

Several former police and Shin Bet officials argue that this scenario should be the top priority. They call for formal orders on force allocation, exercises at National Headquarters, and war games for commanders. One former security official warned, "It would be a massive failure if it turns out this scenario was not placed at the top of the list." Maariv reported that Levy held periodic conversations with former senior officials who raised these concerns.

A retired police major general noted that the Shin Bet and police are responsible for an orderly transfer of power, but that relying on the Shin Bet is currently difficult. He pointed to weekly polls from a specific news channel that diverge from other surveys, which he said could create a narrative of stolen elections. He also cited a campaign against the Central Elections Committee and the Supreme Court, as well as widespread civilian firearms. "This is a test of leadership," he said.