Bentzi Sau
Bentzi SauMiriam Alster/Flash90

The Israel's Police's acting Police Commissioner, Commander Betnzi Sau, will resign from his post at the end of 2015, it was cleared for publication Sunday morning. 

Sau announced his decision to Police Commissioner-elect Roni Alsheich and Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud). He will remain on duty long enough to train Alsheich and tie up loose ends; he will then retire. 

Alsheich thanked Sau for his dedication and professionalism, as well as the willingness to bear the burden of tenure for an additional period in light of Alsheich's leg injury. He wished Sau the best of luck in future endeavors. 

"I am grateful for the privilege given to me to serve the citizens of the State of Israel for 38 years of service in a variety of roles and challenges," Sau stated Sunday. "I am proud of the thousands of officers, police officers, Border Guard officers and volunteers under my command throughout my years of service."

"I thank Sau profusely [...] for his longstanding contribution to the Israel Police and Border Police," Erdan stated. 

"For the decades he was in the force, Sau performed a variety of key roles and contributed greatly to the security of Israel," he continued. "In recent months, Sau led the Israeli police through an unusually difficult struggle against terrorism."

"Many years of experience and skills were reflected not only in the field and tackling the wave of terror, but through his participation in Cabinet discussions and government hearings," Erdan added. "His intelligence, along with his command impressive capabilities, led the Israeli police to achieve a great deal in recent times, and that, on behalf of the citizens of Israel, I express great gratitude for." 

Sau's resignation marks the second sudden announcement of a police shake-up this week. On Tuesday, Judea-Samaria Police District Commander Shlomi Michael announced his own resignation, declining to give his reasons for the move despite the unprecedented terror wave.