Israel Police Scale Up Force to 22,000 for Knesset Election Security

Israel Police have finalized a security plan deploying 22,000 officers for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, a substantial increase from the 17,000 officers used in the prior cycle.

The expanded force aims to manage public order disruptions, with the highest risk assessed for the hours immediately following the release of exit polls at 10:00 p.m. A senior police official noted that while voting day itself is expected to proceed calmly, tensions are likely to persist into the following days and the weekend. The strategy involves maintaining large operational forces nationwide after polling stations close, rather than limiting resources to the voting hours alone.

Specific logistical challenges include the security of five major party gatherings. Four events are scheduled in Tel Aviv, while Likud will hold its function at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official stated that these venues require a large concentration of police resources to manage the crowds effectively.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir received a comprehensive briefing on the operational readiness. The session covered intelligence assessments, potential terrorist threats, and public order concerns. Police officials indicated that they have spent approximately three months preparing for the election in coordination with the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces. The prime minister and his ministry director-general expressed satisfaction with the staff work presented during the briefing.

The deployment also addresses a specific contingency plan known as Operation Capitol. This scenario, drafted by retired Major General Sigal Bar-Tzvi, was developed in August in response to concerns that a political bloc might reject the results and trigger street protests. The plan models a situation where tens of thousands of people attempt to storm the Knesset, a scenario inspired by the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack. Former security officials argue that this scenario must remain the top priority in force allocation and command exercises.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy is overseeing the operation, with former officials warning that election night presents greater risks than the voting day itself. One retired major general cautioned that relying on the Shin Bet for an orderly transfer of power is currently difficult due to diverging weekly polls and public campaigns against the Central Elections Committee. He warned that widespread civilian firearms and armed groups create a dangerous environment for potential civil conflict, describing the election as a test of leadership.

The police force emphasizes its neutrality in the operation. The senior official stated that an apolitical police force is essential for conducting elections in Israel, even while the department operates under the National Security Minister.