After Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino announced he will not permit MK (Likud) Moshe Feiglin to visit Har Habayis, Feiglin announced the senior commander’s remarks concerning Har Habayis exceed the authority of his position and that police are responsible for carrying out orders and not engaging in debates and instructing Members of Knesset on how to act.

Feiglin was referring to remarks made by the police chief to a Knesset committee. During that address, Danino also said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein does not understand the post and authority of the police chief for Edelstein was also critical of Danino’s recent remarks concerning Har Habayis.

Feiglin told the media it is Danino who lacks a clear understanding of the authority of his post, adding “perhaps he wants to instruct me on how to vote as well”.

Feiglin explains that while Danino is a very high-ranking officer he is still a state employee and his place is to make recommendations at the correct place and time, not to instruct elected officials. Feiglin drew an analogy to the IDF chief of staff, who would never speak out this way. Feiglin stated ultimately, the decision is that of the Minister of Public Security and Prime Minister, not the police chief.

Practically speaking, Feiglin said ‘I must weigh my reaction as a public official” referring to the police chief’s announcement that he will not permit MKs to visit Har Habayis. Feiglin adds that at present, no one has officially informed him that he is prohibited from visiting Har Habayis.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)