Israel Police Deploy 22,000 Officers for Knesset Election Night

Police are deploying approximately 22,000 officers for the 26th Knesset elections, an increase of roughly 5,000 personnel compared to the previous cycle. The force surge is designed to handle public order disruptions, with security officials focusing their attention on the hours following the release of exit polls at 10:00 p.m.

A senior police official stated that voting day itself is expected to be quiet, but the period immediately after polls close presents a higher risk. Exit poll results could drive celebrating or angry citizens into the streets, creating friction that may extend into the weekend. The official noted that police cannot limit their focus to polling stations during voting hours alone.

The security operation includes securing five major party gatherings. Four of these events are located in Tel Aviv, while Likud will hold its gathering at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The official said that these large setups require substantial police resources to manage the crowds.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a comprehensive security briefing on the preparations, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in attendance. The meeting covered intelligence assessments, threats of hostile terrorist activity, and operational readiness. According to the official, the prime minister and his ministry director-general were impressed by the staff work presented during the session.

Plans for the election are based on a scenario termed 'Operation Capitol.' This concept was drafted by former head of the Police Operations Directorate, retired Maj.-Gen. Sigal Bar-Tzvi, following the U.S. Capitol breach in January 2021. The plan addresses a situation where a political group claims widespread fraud and attempts to disrupt the vote count, or where tens of thousands of people attempt to storm the Knesset building.

Former police and Shin Bet officials argue that this scenario must be the top priority in election preparations. One retired major general warned that relying on the Shin Bet is currently difficult and cited a campaign of delegitimization against the Central Elections Committee and the Supreme Court. The official also expressed concern over the number of firearms in civilian hands and the presence of regional defense units in Judea and Samaria.

The retired officer described the current environment as a dangerous platform for potential civil conflict. He stated that leaders are being tested on whether they will create an event around refusing results or act with public responsibility even if they lose. Police Commissioner Danny Levy has held periodic conversations with former senior officials who raised these concerns.