Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon sent a letter to the Israel Police's legal adviser Monday morning, demanding that the legal opinion on senior appointments address whether National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had direct or indirect political involvement in the process, according to Israeli media. The letter cites Ben Gvir's statement Sunday evening that he would not approve appointments before the elections. Limon also called for consideration of the urgency and necessity of the appointments less than two months before the election.
Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon sent a letter to the Israel Police's legal adviser early Monday morning, demanding that the legal opinion on senior appointments explicitly address whether National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had direct or indirect political involvement in the process. The letter, reported by N12, cites Ben Gvir's statement Sunday evening that he would not approve senior appointments before the elections, as The Zioneer reported. Limon also called for consideration of the urgency and necessity of the appointments less than two months before the elections.
The move escalates a series of confrontations that have unfolded since Sunday night. At 23:26 Jerusalem on Sunday, Ben Gvir stated that no police appointments would be made before the elections. Shortly before that, at 23:05 Jerusalem, officers who had completed the appointment round threatened to petition the High Court if Ben Gvir refused to sign. Monday morning at 08:07 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Limon had sent his letter demanding a formal probe into potential political interference.
The letter is the latest development in an ongoing legal battle between the Attorney General's Office and National Security Minister Ben Gvir. As The Zioneer reported on July 20, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara informed the High Court that attempts to reach an understanding with Ben Gvir had failed and that 'significant gaps' remained regarding police independence from ministerial influence. That petition, which seeks Ben Gvir's dismissal, is still pending before the High Court.
It remains unclear whether the police legal adviser will issue the opinion Limon demands, and whether Ben Gvir will sign the appointments before the elections. The High Court petition seeking his dismissal also hangs in the balance.
3 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir accuses attorney general of using Shin Bet to spy on him, vows to complete judicial reform
- DevelopingBen Gvir tells High Court attorney general unilaterally ended talks on police role
- 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