Designated Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch
Photo: Avishag Shaar-Yashuv
Aharonovitch: Settlers should rage at themselves
Minister speaks of settler violence over Havat Gilad eviction, gives complete backing to police force: 'There is law, there is order and law and order must be enforced'. Meanwhile, designated police commissioner discusses future role: 'Rahat law like Tel Aviv law'
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen and designated police commissioner Commander Yohanan Danino all attended the police department's southern district annual review convention Tuesday at the Ashkelon Academic College's conference center on Tuesday.
Settlements
(Video) Probe into events surrounding eviction, demolition of structures in illegal outpost determine use of crowd dispersal means was 'proportional, restrained and professional', demolition orders issued legally. Settlers outraged over committee's conclusions
The first to speak at the event was designated police commissioner Commander Danino, who said farewell to the southern district and spoke of his viewpoint: "Rahat law like Tel Aviv law. That's what we need to see happen, it should be that way for all issues."
He also spoke of police successes in the ongoing battle against crime: "Cooperation and merging goals with the State Prosecution have strengthened deterrents while also strengthening the norms for obeying the law. You can no longer say the 'wild south' - as stated in newspaper headlines." Danino also discussed talks he had with Minister Aharonovitch ahead of taking on the role of commissioner: "We see eye to eye over the need for increasing organizational efficiency, strengthening the force in the peripheries and increasing police officer wages."
Last to speak at the event was Minister Aharonovitch, who mentioned last week's violence at Havat Gilad and stressed: 'I won't allow anyone to raise a hand to a policeman in the Israeli police force."
He stated that "the Israeli government recently gave back up to the IDF in the Havat Gilad evictions. I stood at the Knesset podium and said that I won't allow anyone to raise a hand to a policeman in the Israeli police force and I will back up any policemen doing their job faithfully for the security of the citizens of the State of Israel and will allow no elements to break the law."
He added: "There is law, there is order and law and order must be enforced. As those responsible for enforcement, you have my complete backing."
Infiltration numbers down
The minister went on to call for the settlers rioting to be dealt with. "I'm not deterred by the 'day of rage', they should rage at their own behavior. Anyone who blocks roads and breaks the law – and thinks the police aren't there - the police will arrest and prosecute them."The infiltration issue was also touched upon. Police sources noted that there has been major drop in the number of infiltrators since the beginning of 2011, mainly because the Bedouins have increased refugee smuggling prices and because the Sudan borders have been closed off. In his speech, the minister noted that the numbers decreased by a major percentage and ascribed it to the construction of the fence on the Egyptian border and the riots there.
The internal security minister also praised the outgoing police commissioner and his work. "I want to thank you for everything you've done for Israel's government – fear not, be strong."
Shmulik Hadad contributed to this report
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
