Israel Police Triple Force for Vote

Israel Police are mobilizing 22,000 officers to manage public order around the 26th Knesset elections. The deployment is the largest in recent history and focuses on the hours following the release of exit polls at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.

A senior police official stated that voting day itself is expected to be quiet. He warned that the day after the vote is no less sensitive. He said the results could send either celebrating or angry citizens into the streets. Police are preparing for friction and confrontations through the night and into the weekend.

The operation covers five major party gatherings. Four events are planned for Tel Aviv and one for Likud at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official noted that these party events require a very large number of police forces. Large units will remain active nationwide after the polls close.

The force size is up from roughly 17,000 officers in the previous election. Police spent about three months preparing with the Shin Bet and the IDF. A comprehensive briefing was presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The session covered intelligence assessments and operational readiness.

The official emphasized the need for an apolitical police force. He stated that elections in Israel are impossible without such independence. He added that police must stay free of political influence in both conduct and public perception while operating under the National Security Ministry.

Security planners are also preparing for a scenario known as Operation Capitol. The plan was drafted by a team led by retired Maj.-Gen. Sigal Bar-Tzvi. It covers claims of widespread fraud and attempts to disrupt the vote count. The scenario includes tens of thousands trying to storm the Knesset.

A senior retired police officer advised Police Commissioner Danny Levy to focus on election night rather than deployment on voting day. He described a dangerous situation where a bloc leader rejects the results and calls supporters into the streets. He said police would need help from the IDF in that case.

Several former security officials argue this scenario must top the priority list. One former official said it would be a massive failure if it was not placed at the top of the list. A retired police major general warned about widespread civilian firearms and armed groups. He called the current situation a test of leadership.