During an interview with Hila Korach on Galei Tzahal this morning (Thursday), Deputy Commissioner Avi Biton claimed that the protests by left-wing organizations are silencing the police from addressing violence in the Arab society. According to him: "The protests silence thousands of police officers nationwide. They were supposed to deal with crime in the Arab community, and in the end, they are not present in the criminal space."
The police attacked Galei Tzahal, according to their claims, these things were distorted. "Unfortunately, there are those who have chosen to distort and take things out of their context irresponsibly, inciting and misleading," they said.
Regarding their statements: "In order to clarify matters accurately and prevent public misperception, it should be emphasized that concerning the issue of crime, the district commander of the police in Israel noted the distribution of police forces at this time, given the multiplicity of tasks and challenges of terrorism, crime, and public order – 'occupies' thousands of police officers to secure the protests in hundreds of locations every weekend, during which these officers are required to deal with criminal activity in the criminal space. This is a fact and not a position!"
In conclusion, they said: "At no point do we charge against any protest, and the district commander emphasizes in every discussion, situation assessment, and planning, the preservation of the right to protest as a cornerstone in a democratic country."