Ben Gvir Blocks Police Use of Skunk Water Sprayers 

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has decided to prevent the Israel Police from using skunk water sprayers, despite requests from senior police officials to continue their deployment.

The decision came after it was revealed that police were deploying the tool selectively, primarily against Haredi and settler populations, according to sources in Ben Gvir's office.

In the past 24 hours, several senior police officials approached Ben Gvir's office requesting that he instruct Knesset Member Tzvi Fogel (Otzma Yehudit party) to continue authorizing the use of skunk water. Police officials also contacted MK Fogel directly, attempting to apply pressure.

However, Minister Ben Gvir stated he was unwilling to attempt to change Fogel's position, particularly after it became apparent that in the vast majority of cases, the skunk water sprayers were deployed against Haredi and settler communities.

Sources in Ben Gvir's office stated: "Despite his love for the police, [Ben Gvir] is saying 'Don't' to selective enforcement. While he gives them more and more tools, when it comes to a tool with selective enforcement that is only used against Haredim and settlers, the minister will not approve the use of this tool."