Police Commissioner Meets Top Legal Advisor Amid Feud With National Security Minister

Police Commissioner Danny Levi is scheduled to meet with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing dispute with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over police appointments. The meeting comes amid a significant rift between Levi and Ben-Gvir, with the Commissioner reportedly seeking to bypass the Minister's authority on the matter.

Sources close to the Commissioner indicate that Levi intends to clarify to Baharav-Miara that his planned appointments within the police force are not subject to Ben-Gvir's approval, despite legal requirements. Levi appears to believe that securing the Attorney General's support is the most viable path to advancing these appointments, potentially followed by appeals to the High Court of Justice.

The conflict escalated earlier this week when Ben-Gvir announced he would not approve new appointments during the election period. Levi, however, has signaled his intention to proceed with the appointments, stating that he expects Ben-Gvir's support. This stance directly challenges the law, which mandates the National Security Minister's approval for senior police positions, suggesting a deepening confrontation.

Ben-Gvir's office claims that Levi's proposed appointments favor individuals aligned with Baharav-Miara and the outgoing Police Legal Advisor, Elazar Kahan. They allege that Levi reached understandings with the Attorney General without prior consultation with the Minister.

A key point of contention is the potential appointment of Tamar Liberty as Deputy Police Legal Advisor. Liberty is reportedly associated with Baharav-Miara and Kahan. Although initially it was stated she would not be promoted within the police's legal department, Levi later reversed his position, intending to appoint her, a move that Ben-Gvir blocked.