Israel to deploy 22,000 police officers amid fears of post-election unrest: Report

The deployment represents an increase of around 5,000 officers compared with the 2022 elections, Israeli private broadcaster i24NEWS reported, citing an unnamed senior police official.

The preparations come amid closely contested elections between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and the Israeli opposition, with concerns that disputes over the results could trigger unrest.

“The day after the elections is no less dangerous than election day itself,” the official told the broadcaster.

The official said preparations had been underway for three months, including contingency plans for possible incidents following the release of exit polls, the announcement of election results and in the days afterward.

Police are also preparing for potential security attacks and public disturbances.

“Election day is sensitive, but the following day is no less sensitive,” the official said, adding that voting itself was expected to proceed relatively calmly.

​​​​​​​The official said police were preparing for the possibility that election results could prompt people to take to the streets, with security arrangements also planned for events organized by political parties.