Israel Police Mobilize 22,000 for Knesset Vote

Israeli citizens face a heavier police presence after the Knesset election concludes, with authorities preparing for potential street clashes that may extend into the weekend. A senior police official stated that voting day itself is expected to proceed quietly, but the period following the release of exit polls at 10:00 p.m. represents the highest risk for public order disruptions.

The security operation involves 22,000 officers, an increase of 5,000 from the previous election. These forces will not withdraw immediately after polling stations close. Instead, large units will remain active nationwide to monitor friction and confrontations through the night and the subsequent days. The official noted that the day after the vote is as sensitive as election day itself.

Police resources are also directed toward five major political gatherings. Four events are scheduled in Tel Aviv, while the Likud party will hold its rally at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official explained that each of these events requires a substantial allocation of personnel to manage crowds and maintain order.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir received a comprehensive briefing on the operational plan. The session covered intelligence assessments, the threat of hostile terrorist activity, and operational readiness. Police have coordinated with the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces for approximately three months to finalize these arrangements.

Concerns about post-election instability have grown due to reports of a contingency plan known as Operation Capitol. This scenario, shaped by the 2021 US Capitol storming, prepares for a situation where a political bloc claims fraud and mobilizes supporters to storm the Knesset. The plan was drafted by a team led by retired Maj.-Gen. Sigal Bar-Tzvi and covers attempts to disrupt vote counts and widespread claims of forgery.

Former security officials have urged that this specific scenario take priority over standard deployment. One retired police major general warned that reliance on the Shin Bet for an orderly transfer of power is currently difficult. He cited diverging weekly polls and a campaign against the Central Elections Committee as factors that could fuel a narrative of stolen elections. The official also pointed to widespread civilian firearms as a danger factor.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy has held periodic conversations with retired senior officials regarding these risks. A senior retired officer stated that election night presents a more dangerous environment than voting day, particularly if a bloc leader rejects results and calls supporters into the streets. In such a conflict, police would likely require support from the IDF.