Overview
- The order blocks police from deploying foul-odor liquid, tear gas, or dye through water cannons, despite pushback from senior officers and opposition from the Attorney General.
- Water cannons remain authorized with clean water, with officials clarifying that the devices themselves are not prohibited.
- Police have recently tested water cannons that mix water with pepper spray as a potential alternative, according to reporting on internal trials.
- The Knesset National Security Committee is set to review the issue after senior police lobbied committee chair MK Tzvika Fogel to keep the skunk-spraying vehicles in service.
- Ben-Gvir’s move follows petitions and criticism from Haredi residents and Deputy Mayor Tzachi Brim citing health and environmental concerns, as police noted their skunk-spray supplier contract was nearing expiration.