Supreme Court Halts New Police Investigations Unit Appointments Amid Legal Challenge

Israel's Supreme Court has issued an interim order freezing appointments to the Police Internal Investigations Department (MAHSH) under a new law, citing concerns about the immediate impact on the unit's operations and the upcoming election period. The decision, made by a majority of Justices Yitzhak Amit and Daphne Barak-Erez against the dissenting opinion of Justice Noam Sohlberg, prevents the appointment of a director or committee members for the unit.

The controversial new law transfers MAHSH from the State Prosecutor's Office to the Ministry of Justice, placing it under the direct authority of the Justice Minister. Critics argue this move grants the minister effective control over appointments and dismissals within the department, potentially compromising its independence. The Attorney General had urged the court to halt the law's implementation, joining petitioners including the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel and former senior police officers.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin criticized the Supreme Court's decision, calling it proof of frustration among a "handful of justices" who have lost control over judicial appointments. He accused them of trying to protect the "failed institution" of MAHSH, suggesting a political motive behind their ruling.

The Movement for Quality of Government welcomed the interim order, emphasizing that MAHSH must remain a professional and independent body, free from political influence. They stressed that this is an interim ruling and vowed to continue their legal battle for a final decision.

The law, expected to take effect in the next Knesset, involves a new appointment committee chaired by the Director General of the Ministry of Justice. The committee's composition, with a majority appointed by or in consultation with the Justice Minister, raises concerns about political influence over the selection of the MAHSH director.