Israel Police Chief Proceeds With Promotions Despite Minister Ben-Gvir's Freeze Order

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed Police Commissioner Danny Levi to freeze all police appointments until after the upcoming elections. However, a significant round of promotions proceeded on Sunday, defying the minister's directive. Ben-Gvir's office stated that the controversial appointment of Superintendent Tamar Liberty as deputy legal advisor was pushed by the state attorney's office, and that a "major battle" had occurred over it.

Despite Ben-Gvir's opposition, Commissioner Levi appointed Liberty and several other senior officers to key positions. These appointments still require the minister's final signature. The Police Commissioner is scheduled to continue with further appointments for broader roles next week, leaving uncertainty about how Minister Ben-Gvir will react.

In a letter to Levi, Ben-Gvir accused the commissioner of delaying appointments for months, despite the minister's requests and warnings about the approaching election period. Ben-Gvir expressed surprise that Levi now intended to proceed with promotions just six weeks before the elections, stating that no further senior officer appointments should be made until after the elections and the next minister takes office.

A police source indicated that some officers might petition the High Court of Justice if their appointments are blocked. Another source from the commissioner's office stated that the Israel Police is conducting its placement discussions according to established procedures and expects the minister to support its decisions, as he does for other bodies under his ministry.