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

Tensions between Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai have escalated over the stalled appointment of senior police officers and budget transfers. Shabtai sent a personal message to Ben-Gvir, urging him to approve the appointments and budget before the upcoming holiday, stating that the responsibility lies with both of them.

Ben-Gvir responded sharply, accusing Shabtai of allowing the police to become a puppet of the Attorney General. He alleged that the Attorney General's office pushed for the appointment of Tamar Liberty as a deputy legal advisor, a move Ben-Gvir claims was initially opposed but later approved after his consent. Ben-Gvir asserted that the authority to make police appointments rests with the minister, not the commissioner or the Attorney General.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir accused Shabtai of misleading officers by creating the illusion of impending appointments, noting that many positions have been vacant for months. He claimed he repeatedly reminded and urged Shabtai to initiate the appointment process, but Shabtai refused. The dispute also involves the appointment of Deputy Attorney General Adar Gitzis.