Following the completion of the senior appointment round despite his opposition, officers who received promotions tonight warned they will petition the High Court if National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir does not sign off on their appointments, according to The Zioneer.
Officers promoted in Sunday's senior appointment round are threatening to petition the High Court of Justice if National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir refuses to sign off on their promotions, according to The Zioneer. The threat marks a new escalation in the deepening crisis between the minister and the police leadership, as the appointees directly challenge Ben Gvir's authority to block the appointments.
The crisis unfolded throughout Sunday. At 15:17 Jerusalem, Ben Gvir announced he would not approve any police appointments until after the upcoming elections, citing what he termed Police Commissioner Danny Levi's "zigzag" on the matter. The commissioner's office responded that appointments would continue and that it expected the minister's support. By the evening, The Zioneer reported at 22:52 Jerusalem that Commissioner Levi had completed the first round of senior appointments despite Ben Gvir's freeze order. The promoted officers now warn of legal action if the minister refuses to sign their appointments.
The dispute is part of broader tensions between Ben Gvir and the law enforcement establishment. As The Zioneer reported on July 20, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara formally petitioned the High Court to order Ben Gvir's dismissal, citing his interference in police operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the court on August 5 that he would not dismiss Ben Gvir. The High Court has yet to rule on the dismissal petition.
What remains unclear is whether Ben Gvir will sign the appointments or face a court petition from within the police force, and how the High Court will address the competing legal challenges.
6 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir delays police officer promotions; Attorney General warns of 'extraneous considerations'
- StrongAttorney General demands High Court dismiss Minister Ben Gvir ahead of elections
- DevelopingSenior officer Avi Biton to petition court over Ben Gvir-brokered deputy police chief promise
- DevelopingNetanyahu to High Court: I will not fire Ben Gvir
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