Israel's Police Chief and National Security Minister Clash Over Appointments

Tensions between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi have escalated over the stalled appointment of senior police officers and budget transfers. In a personal message to Ben-Gvir, Levi urged the minister to approve the appointments and the budget before the upcoming holiday, stating that responsibility for these actions lies with both of them.

Ben-Gvir responded sharply, accusing Levi of allowing the police to become a puppet of the Attorney General. He specifically cited the appointment of Tamar Liberty as a deputy legal advisor, alleging the Attorney General's office pushed for her appointment, which then led to the removal of their prior objections. Ben-Gvir asserted that the authority for police appointments rests with the minister, not the commissioner or the Attorney General.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir claimed he had instructed against making appointments close to an election and accused Levi of misleading officers by creating the illusion of impending promotions. He stated that many positions have been vacant for months, and despite his repeated reminders and pleas to initiate the appointment process, Levi allegedly refused.

The dispute also involves the appointment of Adar Gitzis as deputy legal advisor, highlighting a broader disagreement over the influence of the Attorney General's office on police matters.