Israel Police Plan 22,000 Officer Deployment for Knesset Vote

Israel Police will deploy approximately 22,000 officers to manage public order during the upcoming 26th Knesset election.

This force represents an increase from the roughly 17,000 officers used in the previous election cycle. Police anticipate that voting day itself will remain calm, but tensions may rise sharply once exit polls are released at 10:00 p.m. local time. A senior police official noted that the period following the release of results could be just as sensitive as the voting hours. The force aims to prevent friction and confrontations that could persist through the night and into the weekend.

Security personnel will secure five major party gatherings to manage crowds. Four of these events will take place in Tel Aviv, while the Likud party will hold its rally at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official stated that these large-scale party events require a substantial police presence to maintain order. Police have been coordinating with the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces for about three months to prepare for the operation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a comprehensive briefing on the security plans, attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The briefing covered intelligence assessments, potential terrorist threats, and operational readiness. The prime minister and his ministry director-general reviewed the staff work and expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Police leadership emphasized that the force must remain apolitical to maintain public trust during the democratic process.

Security planners are preparing for specific scenarios where political blocs might reject the election results. This includes a plan known as Operation Capitol, drafted by a team led by retired Maj.-Gen. Sigal Bar-Tzvi. The plan addresses claims of widespread fraud and the possibility of large groups attempting to storm the Knesset. The scenario is modeled after the January 6, 2021, storming of the US Capitol.

Retired police officials have urged current leadership to prioritize these post-election risks. They argued that a bloc leader rejecting results and mobilizing supporters could force police to rely on the IDF for support. Former security officials warned that failing to address this scenario would be a major oversight. They also pointed to diverging media polls and political attacks on the Central Elections Committee as factors that could influence public perception of the vote.

One retired major general described the election as a test of leadership. He noted that while the Shin Bet and police are responsible for an orderly transfer of power, current conditions make reliance on the Shin Bet difficult. He cited widespread civilian firearms and armed groups as additional risks for civil unrest.