Kobi Shabtai

High Court to hear bid forcing Netanyahu to fire Ben-Gvir, petitioners push pattern-of-conduct case

The hearing will be held before an expanded nine-justice panel and, in an unusual procedural step, will be broadcast live while closed to the public because of concern over disruptions.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir in a Knesset plenum about the death penalty bill, in Jerusalem. March 24, 2026.
Newly appointed Police Commissioner Daniel Levi at a ceremony of new appointments and ranks of the Israeli police, at the Ministry of National Security in Jerusalem, on July 4, 2023.

The responsibility of new Police Commissioner Daniel Levi: Protect the public first - editorial

 Chief of police Kobi Shabtai speaks during a farewell ceremony in his honor, at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, on July 14, 2024.

Kobi Shabtai's first speech since resigning: 'The police stopped Hamas on Oct 7'

 The new bulletproof ambulances.

Israel Police debut first ever bulletproof ambulances


The race for commissioner: Ben-Gvir’s Israel Police head candidate may be disqualified

Israel Police deputy commissioner Avshalom Peled, nominated last month by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to be the next police commissioner, is now under scrutiny.

 Israel Police's Avshalom Peled, 2023

'Police are not a militia': Israel Police's Kobi Shabtai blasts Ben-Gvir

Shabtai highlighted the critical role of the police in maintaining national social resilience amid growing disagreements and frustrations.

 Chief of police Kobi Shabtai with Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir at the scene of a terror attack in the Jewish settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, August 1, 2023.

Over 8,000 physicians at government hospitals demand halt of water cannons to quell demonstrations

Dr. Zeev Feldman called on Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai to halt the use of the potentially harmful equipment to disperse demonstrations.

 Police use a cannon to spray skunk water, a foul smelling substance, on protesters at a demonstration following a parliament vote on a contested bill that limits Supreme Court powers to void some government decisions, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023

High Court begins hearing on Ben-Gvir Law, police chief expected to oppose

"The police is effectively a militia at the service of Ben-Gvir, we insist that the amendment be appealed."

(L-R): National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir; Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai (illustrative)

Ben-Gvir police commissioner nominee slammed over aid truck security controversy

In a letter to the Attorney General, Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai wrote that Ben-Gvir told him of potential "consequences."

 Chief of police Kobi Shabtai with Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir at the scene of a terror attack in the Jewish settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, August 1, 2023.

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir seeks dismissal of Police Commissioner Shabtai

The decision has been deemed illegal by Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara.

 Chief of police Kobi Shabtai with Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir at the scene of a terror attack in the Jewish settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, August 1, 2023.

'New sheriff in town,' Ben-Gvir announces candidate to replace chief of police

"He is the right man to lead the Israel Police, an officer with rich, professional, and sharp experience."

 NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stands at the government's table in the Knesset plenum. His announcement on easing the threshold conditoins ofr license seekers was a reckless move that takes advantage of the public's fear, the writer argues.

Police warn of fake messages threatening recipients of investigation against them

In a statement, the Israel Police emphasized to the public that the law prohibits disseminating false information.

  Israel Police Chief Kobi Shabtai

M-16 bullet, fragments found in Castleman’s body

Video footage of the soldier shooting Castleman after he had surrendered and identified himself sparked outrage in Israel.

 Yuval Castleman at the scene of the Jerusalem shooting as a first responder.

Ben-Gvir: Nukhba terrorists should be held underground in poor conditions

Ben-Gvir wrote to the Police Commissioner and admitted "It is true that this is an underground wing, the conditions in which are not among the best, but the conditions..comply...with the law."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.