Police Chief: I Did Not Know That Gilot Station Commander Called Advocate 'Cocksucker'; It Does Not Justify Cancellation of His Promotion
Israeli Police Chief Dani Levy stated he was unaware that the outgoing commander of the Gilot station, Yaniv Volvovich, referred to an advocate as 'cocksucker', describing it as not a valid reason for cancelling his promotion.
Israeli Police Chief Dani Levy has stated that he was not aware of controversial remarks made by the outgoing commander of the Gilot station, Yaniv Volvovich, referring to an advocate in derogatory terms. These comments came to light during a petition seeking to nullify Volvovich's promotion. Despite the offensive nature of the language, Levy argued that such remarks do not warrant disciplinary action or administrative inquest against the officer in question.
Volvovich was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, following a controversial decision to arrest three women for distributing flyers advocating for the release of hostages in a synagogue where Knesset member Yuli Edelstein prays. The Minister's decision to promote Volvovich despite the backlash against his comments raises questions about transparency and accountability within the police force. Levy emphasized that his lack of knowledge about Volvovich's statements at the beginning of the promotion process influences the validity of ongoing concerns.
The incident marks a significant moment of discourse within Israel's law enforcement community as it navigates issues relating to freedom of expression, the treatment of detainees, and the responsibilities of police officers. This wider narrative may resonate amid broader societal pressures regarding police conduct and its implications on civil rights, underscoring the ongoing debate over the balance between law enforcement authority and individual freedoms in Israel.