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Israeli Police Brace for Post-Poll Unrest Ahead of 26th Knesset Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Police Ramp-Up Ahead of Election Day
In the days leading up to the 26th Knesset election, the Israel Police are deploying roughly 22,000 officers—about 5,000 more than in the previous election—to secure polling stations, party gatherings, and potential flashpoints after polls close. The increase reflects a three-month coordination effort with the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A senior police official briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on intelligence assessments, terrorist threats, and the operational readiness of the force.
Expanded Force and Operational Planning
Police preparations include securing five major party events—four in Tel Aviv and one Likud rally at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center. The senior official stressed that the police must remain active beyond voting hours, especially after the 10:00 p.m. release of exit-poll results, which could spark celebrations or confrontations that linger into the weekend.
Anticipated Post-Poll Unrest and the “Capitol” Scenario
Security planners have drafted an “Operation Capitol” plan for a situation in which a political bloc disputes the election outcome and attempts to disrupt the vote count or storm the Knesset. The plan, developed by retired Maj-Gen Sigal Bar-Tzvi and his team, draws on the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack as a reference point. Retired police officers warn that if a leader declares the results fraudulent, supporters of both camps may take to the streets, potentially requiring IDF assistance to maintain order.
Official Emphasis on Police Independence
The senior official highlighted the necessity of an apolitical police force, noting that the Israel Police is the “most important organization during elections” and must operate free from political influence even when reporting to the National Security Minister. This stance was reinforced during the security briefing, where the prime minister’s questions focused on threat assessments and force readiness.
Concerns from Former Security Officials
Former police and Shin Bet officials argue that the “Capitol” scenario should be the top contingency. They call for detailed force allocation orders, district-wide exercises, and war-games involving commanders. One retired major general expressed doubt about the Shin Bet’s reliability and warned that widespread civilian firearms could exacerbate violent clashes. These officials stress that early media narratives suggesting “stolen elections” already contribute to a delegitimization campaign against the Central Elections Committee and the Supreme Court.