National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced Sunday that he will not approve any police appointments until after the upcoming elections, following what he described as Police Commissioner Danny Levi's "zigzag" on the matter. Israeli media report that the move escalates the ongoing tension between the minister and the police leadership.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Sunday he would not approve any police appointments until after the elections, accusing Police Commissioner Danny Levi of backtracking on a previous understanding.
The announcement deepens a months-long rift between the minister and the police command. As The Zioneer previously reported, Ben Gvir and Levi had reached a "package deal" in late July under which Levi would appoint the minister's confidant as his personal assistant. That deal had temporarily calmed tensions, but Levi later reversed course, according to the minister.
The Attorney General has previously warned Ben Gvir against improper influence over police appointments. The High Court is also weighing a petition to remove Ben Gvir from office over alleged interference in police operations.
The minister's decision effectively freezes all senior appointments in the Israel Police until after election day, which has not yet been set but is expected within months.
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