Israel's religious Zionist sector lauds new police chief nomination

Prominent figures in Israel's religious Zionist sector welcomed the nomination of Shin Bet security agency Deputy Director Roni Alsheikh to the position of Israel Police chief, replacing Yohanan Danino, whose term ended in June.

Alsheikh's nomination has been cleared by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein and is now pending the approval of the Public Service Nominations Committee, which is scheduled to review the matter on Thursday. Sources privy to the vetting process said that given Alsheikh's current position, he is likely to be confirmed.

Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett said Monday that Alsheikh is "an experienced, creative, and determined commander, and I'm sure he can lead the Israel Police. We must all rally for his success."

The Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, issued a statement welcoming the nomination.

"This is a worthy nomination that places a man who has contributed greatly to Israel's security at the helm of the Israel Police. Alsheikh knows Israeli society well, and we are certain he will serve all Israelis faithfully," the statement said.

Rabbi Haim Druckman, one of the most prominent leaders in the religious Zionist sector, said Monday evening that he spoke with Alsheikh after the nomination was announced. Alsheikh "knows this is a very serious position that requires very serious action," Druckman said.

Druckman said he was "very pleased with the nomination. This is a proud moment for religious Zionism, which educates its members on the principles of the Torah of Israel, the mitzvahs between men, between man and the land, and between a man and his country."

Rabbi Meir Toiber, head of the Netiv Meir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, which Alsheikh attended, said, "I don’t know him personally, but his classmates have told me he was a serious student, with good character."

Head of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud) said, "Roni Alsheikh has appeared before the Subcommittee for Intelligence and Secret Services many times, as part of his duties with the Shin Bet. His reviews were always characterized by a comprehensive outlook and an abundance of knowledge. He is versed in the inner workings of the investigative, operational, and intelligence gathering processes that are vital for the police's success."

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon also welcomed the nomination.

"I've known Alsheikh since he served in the Paratroopers Brigade's 890th Battalion. He is an excellent, worthy man, and I hope he is confirmed," Ya'alon said.

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