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The newly appointed Israel Police Commissioner, Insp.-Gen. Daniel Levi, has come under intense scrutiny after homophobic remarks he made earlier this year were revealed in a televised report on Channel 12.
The comments, captured in a recorded conversation in his office when he served as Coastal District commander, have sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and led to renewed debate about the role of leadership and accountability in Israel’s police force.
The controversy centers on a conversation between Levi and his spokesman, Aryeh Doron. Levi was reportedly heard saying, “I can’t stand seeing two guys walking hand in hand on the street or two men kissing outside; it’s disgusting.”
The remarks were allegedly made in response to a visitor in Levi’s office, further fueling the uproar. The comments have raised concerns about homophobia within the upper ranks of Israel’s law enforcement and have called into question Levi’s ability to represent and protect all citizens impartially, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Career Overshadowed by Controversy
Levi, 60, has served in the Israel Police since 1985 and has held several senior positions, including the commander of South Tel Aviv, deputy commander of the Jerusalem District, and commander of the Coastal District.
His nomination for police commissioner was backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and unanimously approved by the cabinet. Levi was officially sworn in as police commissioner on August 25, 2024.
Despite his long tenure in the police force, Levi’s recent promotion has been marred by the leaked conversation.
The timing is particularly sensitive, as the police force is already grappling with accusations of political interference, particularly from Ben-Gvir, who has been accused by critics of consolidating control over the police, leading to the ouster of Levi’s predecessor, Kobi Shabtai.
At his swearing-in ceremony, Levi pledged to maintain law and order across the country, stating, “Under my command, the Israel Police will work to strengthen governance and sovereignty in the state, will fight anyone who tries to hurt and disrupt the rule of law, and will make sure the law is enforced for every citizen equally while maintaining professionalism, determination, integrity, and public service.”
However, the remarks exposed in the Channel 12 report have cast doubt on whether his commitment to equal treatment extends to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Fallout: LGBTQ+ Groups React
The revelation of Levi’s remarks provoked immediate backlash, particularly from LGBTQ+ rights organizations in Israel.
The Aguda, the Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel, released a statement condemning Levi’s comments: “The shocking remarks by the incoming commissioner have no place in the police force or any institution tasked with ensuring the safety of LGBTQ+ community members.”
The Aguda’s statement further criticized the circumstances surrounding Levi’s appointment, questioning whether homophobia had played a role in his selection. “We can only wonder whether LGBT+phobia was one of the criteria for choosing a new police chief,” the statement read.
The organization also extended an invitation to Levi to engage with the LGBTQ+ community and understand the violence and discrimination its members face, particularly in light of the increased incitement against them in the past two years.
Levi’s remarks are seen as part of a broader trend of growing hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals in Israel, driven in part by political and religious conservatism.
Activists argue that such comments, particularly when made by high-ranking public officials, contribute to a dangerous environment in which hate speech is normalized and violence against marginalized communities is perpetuated.
The Aguda’s call for an apology resonated with many Israelis, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who feel increasingly vulnerable.
“What Levi needs to do now is apologize,” the Aguda’s statement continued. “How he does it is not important – it could be at a news conference, via a press release, or a post on X. It’s the Jewish thing to do.”
A Clash of Values: Ben-Gvir’s Influence on the Police Force
Levi’s appointment was endorsed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial figure in Israeli politics known for his far-right views. Ben-Gvir praised Levi’s “Zionist and Jewish agenda,” positioning the new commissioner as someone who would align the police force with his political vision.
Critics of Ben-Gvir have long expressed concern over his attempts to centralize control over the police, arguing that his influence risks undermining the independence and impartiality of the force.
These concerns came to a head earlier this year when Levi’s predecessor, Kobi Shabtai, was ousted in what many saw as a politically motivated move orchestrated by Ben-Gvir.
The appointment of Levi, a figure perceived to be more aligned with Ben-Gvir’s policies, has done little to allay fears of a police force being swayed by political agendas.
A day after Levi was sworn in as commissioner, the Movement for Quality of Government, a watchdog group, petitioned the High Court of Justice to challenge his appointment.
The group argued that the selection process had been flawed and that Levi would be too willing to follow Ben-Gvir’s instructions without question.
This claim has intensified following the leak of the homophobic comments, which critics view as part of a larger problem of discriminatory attitudes within the police force, exacerbated by political influence.
Israel Police’s Defense of Levi
Following the Channel 12 report, the Israel Police issued a statement defending Levi’s track record and his relationship with the LGBTQ+ community.
The statement emphasized that Levi had “maintained excellent working relations with LGBTQ+ leaders” during his time as Coastal District commander and had worked to strengthen ties between the police and the community.
However, this defense has done little to quell the controversy. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, as well as members of the public, have continued to demand a more direct response from Levi, calling on him to acknowledge the harm his comments have caused and to issue a formal apology.
Critics argue that without a clear apology and a commitment to learning from the incident, Levi’s ability to serve as a commissioner for all Israelis, regardless of their sexual orientation, will remain in doubt.
The Need for Accountability and Atonement
The backlash against Levi comes at a time of heightened tension in Israeli society, particularly regarding issues of LGBTQ+ rights. Although Israel is often seen as one of the more progressive countries in the Middle East when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues, deep divisions remain.
The homophobic remarks attributed to Levi have struck a nerve, highlighting the precariousness of progress for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in an era where political figures like Ben-Gvir wield significant influence.
In Judaism, the path to repentance, or “teshuva,” is well-established, especially in the period leading up to the High Holy Days. As Jews prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by reflecting on their actions and seeking forgiveness for their sins, many have called on Levi to take similar steps.
Apologizing for the slur, they argue, would not only demonstrate personal accountability but also serve as a powerful example of leadership at a time when Israel’s social fabric is under strain.
The Aguda and other advocacy groups have urged Levi to “set a good example for others” by taking responsibility for his remarks.
A public apology, whether delivered through a news conference, a press release, or social media, could help restore trust between Levi and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the broader public.
Furthermore, it could signal a commitment to upholding the values of equality and dignity that the Israel Police is meant to protect.
As Levi begins his tenure as police commissioner, the question of how he addresses this controversy will likely define his legacy.
Will he take the necessary steps to repair the damage caused by his words, or will this incident further erode public confidence in his ability to lead one of the country’s most critical institutions?
The coming days and weeks will determine whether Levi can truly live up to his pledge to enforce the law for every citizen equally.