Nearly 28% of the Israeli regime's police officers have resigned since Itamar Ben-Gvir took office as the regime's so-called National Security Minister in December 2022, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The report said figures presented during closed-door meetings revealed that the Israeli regime's police force has suffered a significant loss of personnel during Ben-Gvir's tenure.

Although police recruitment has increased since he assumed office, more than a quarter of newly recruited officers have been assigned to the Border Police or the so-called National Guard, which operates under the Ministry of National Security.

Staff shortages persist

The reassignment of new recruits comes despite a shortage of around 2,000 officers in police stations and traffic police units.

In an assessment published on September 25, Haaretz said that despite increased recruitment, resignations and the distribution of personnel have failed to resolve staffing shortages in regular police stations.

National Guard remains controversial

The Israeli regime approved the establishment of the so-called National Guard under the Ministry of National Security in April 2023.

The decision to place the force under Ben-Gvir's authority drew criticism from opposition figures, who argued that it would give the far-right minister excessive control over an armed security force.

The report comes as concerns continue to mount over staffing levels and the allocation of personnel within the Israeli regime's police force. (ILKHA)