Justice Minister Yariv Levin informed the High Court of Justice that the process to select a new director for the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) will proceed even during the upcoming election period, according to reports.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin informed the High Court of Justice on Sunday that the search for a new director of the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) will continue during the election period, as The Zioneer reports. The response came hours after the High Court ordered Levin earlier Sunday evening (Sun 18:19 Jerusalem) not to proceed with appointments under the new Mahash law until the court rules on an interim injunction petition against the legislation. The legal back-and-forth over the appointment process has intensified as national elections approach.
The High Court’s order on Sunday marked the latest judicial intervention in the process. Prior to that, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara renewed a disciplinary investigation into the leading candidate for the position, Roi Kahlon, as revealed by MK Moshe Saada (Likud) on Monday, July 27, 2026 (The Zioneer, July 27 2026, 19:24 Jerusalem). Kahlon's candidacy has been a focal point of the controversy. Earlier, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Levin had signaled his intention to continue the process even as judicial petitions were filed (The Zioneer, August 8 2026, 18:45 Jerusalem).
The developments are part of a broader ongoing tension between the Justice Minister and the judiciary. As The Zioneer has reported, Levin has repeatedly criticized what he views as excessive High Court intervention in government decisions, framing his actions as a necessary rebalancing of powers between the branches. The Mahash appointment process has become a key flashpoint in this conflict, particularly as it unfolds during an election season when caretaker government appointments are traditionally limited.
The High Court has not yet issued a final ruling on the interim injunction request. The disciplinary investigation against Kahlon remains ongoing. It also remains unclear whether Levin’s stated intention to continue the search will lead to a direct confrontation with the court if a ruling against the process is issued.
3 developments
- DevelopingYariv Levin to announce continuation of process to elect head of police internal investigations
- StrongJustice Minister Levin accuses attorney general of illegally obstructing police reform
- DevelopingJustice Minister Levin: High Court ruling proves justices 'clinging to power,' defending Mahash
- StrongHigh Court signals no appointment of new Mahash head before elections, analyst says
Source and signal
- Open-source intake