Israel Police spokesman, Deputy Chief Arieh Doron, has been barred from Police Commissioner Dani Levi’s office amid a serious breakdown in relations, Walla learned on Sunday.
Sources in the force said Doron has been excluded from briefings and kept out of major professional meetings. The police declined to discuss internal working relations, calling the inquiry “gossip.”
The dispute is said to have intensified in recent months following professional disagreements, with Doron no longer joining the commissioner on tours or riding in his vehicle.
Several officials told Walla the commissioner wants to move Doron from the post but fears Doron could disclose embarrassing details tied to home renovations the commissioner allegedly consulted on with senior officers.
Coalition sources told Walla the commissioner is “susceptible to pressure,” which is why he has not dismissed Doron.
Responsibility for district spokespersons has reportedly shifted to Lior Abudraham, head of the Public Affairs Division. While Doron may appear at occasional meetings or photos, insiders described a “clear and significant rupture,” adding that the commissioner is keeping him at arm’s length.
Under former commissioner Kobi Shabtai, spokesman Eli Levi accompanied him closely and participated in all major discussions, underscoring how central the post typically is to the commissioner’s daily agenda.
In recent months, by contrast, Doron has allegedly been left off tour lists, not summoned to deliberations, and absent from professional forums that Abudraham now attends.
“Your inquiry is gossip and nothing more,” the Israel Police responded to Walla.
“As a matter of course, we do not share the media in internal working relations.”
Police Spokesman clashes with MK Ahmed Tibi
Doron was also involved in a high-profile on-air clash on Channel 13 with MK Ahmad Tibi, during which Doron said, “Shame on you,” after Tibi called the police a “mafia.” Tibi fired back with insults.
The police later condemned Tibi’s remarks as potentially constituting the offense of insulting a public servant and said legal steps, including a possible investigation, would be examined. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized Tibi over the incident.