The Ministry of National Security announced Sunday evening that no police appointments will be made before the upcoming elections, in accordance with an earlier statement by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Exceptional cases will be examined individually by the minister after the police commissioner presents justifications. All other appointments will be deferred until after the elections, according to N12.
The directive freezes all police promotions and appointments until after the elections, with Ben Gvir retaining personal authority to approve exceptional cases based on the commissioner's recommendations. The move follows an earlier threat by senior police officers who warned they would petition the High Court of Justice if Ben Gvir refuses to sign off on their appointments (The Zioneer, Sun 23:05).
The freeze is the latest escalation in a months-long power struggle between Ben Gvir and the police brass. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara formally petitioned the High Court last month to remove Ben Gvir over alleged interference in police operations (The Zioneer, July 20). Ben Gvir has denied any wrongdoing.
The directive effectively halts the promotions of senior officers who were approved by the police appointments committee despite Ben Gvir's opposition. The move leaves the promotions in limbo until after the elections, with the minister holding the power to approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
2 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir delays police officer promotions; Attorney General warns of 'extraneous considerations'
- StrongOfficers threaten High Court petition if Ben Gvir refuses to sign police appointments
- DevelopingPolice commissioner cancels promotion round, says no one can force appointments on us
- DevelopingAG Baharav-Miara does not oppose appointment of Ben Gvir's candidate as police legal advisor
Source and signal
- Open-source intake