National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir launched a sharp attack on Police Commissioner Danny Levi, accusing him of being controlled by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who he claimed is demanding the immediate promotion of her close associate Tamar Liberty, the former chief of staff to ex-Commissioner Roni Alsheich. Ben Gvir called Baharav-Miara a 'criminal' and said he would not allow her to dictate police appointments.
The Zioneer has reported extensively on the escalating conflict between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and Police Commissioner Danny Levi. In July, Baharav-Miara petitioned the High Court to remove Ben Gvir from office, arguing that his involvement in police operational matters violated court orders and harmed police independence. The court petition followed months of tension over Ben Gvir's attempts to influence police appointments and operations.
In early September, Levi appointed Commander Tamar Liberty as deputy legal advisor to the police, defying Ben Gvir's opposition. Liberty, a former chief of staff to ex-Commissioner Roni Alsheich, has been a focal point of the dispute, with Ben Gvir alleging she is a close associate of the attorney general.
Wednesday evening's statement marks the latest escalation, with Ben Gvir directly accusing Levi of being controlled by Baharav-Miara and alleging she is using her position to promote Liberty. The minister called Baharav-Miara a 'criminal' and vowed to resist what he described as interference in police appointments. The High Court has yet to rule on the petition to remove Ben Gvir, and the political and legal battle over the boundaries of ministerial authority over the police continues.
2 developments
- StrongBen Gvir attacks attorney general over alleged interference in police appointments
- DevelopingBen Gvir accuses attorney general of using Shin Bet to spy on him, vows to complete judicial reform
- DevelopingBen Gvir calls Attorney General 'crazy woman' amid reported dismissal push
- StrongAttorney General demands High Court dismiss Minister Ben Gvir ahead of elections
Source and signal
- Open-source intake