Israel's National Security Minister Clashes With Police Chief Over Appointments

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has escalated a dispute with Police Commissioner Dani Levy, accusing him of allowing the police to become a "puppet on a string" to the State Attorney's Office. The conflict centers on a planned round of senior police appointments, which Ben-Gvir insists should be halted until after the upcoming elections, in line with his directive.

Ben-Gvir alleges that Levy initially agreed to postpone the appointments following a request from the State Attorney's Office due to the election period. However, the minister claims Levy's stance abruptly changed after a meeting with the State Attorney. Ben-Gvir believes this shift occurred because the State Attorney's Office sought to promote Tamar Liberty, a former aide to a previous police commissioner, to the position of Deputy State Attorney for the police. According to Ben-Gvir, once Levy agreed to this specific promotion, the State Attorney's Office dropped its objections to the broader appointment round.

The minister vehemently criticized this alleged "deal," asserting that the authority for police appointments rests solely with him, not the commissioner or the State Attorney. He accused Levy of cynically exploiting police officers and their families by creating a false sense of progress on these appointments, which he claims have not undergone necessary legal reviews. Ben-Gvir reiterated his policy: no new appointments will be made before the elections unless they are exceptional, security-justified cases submitted with a reasoned request to him.

Ben-Gvir also pointed out that several senior positions have remained vacant for months, and Levy had previously refused to fill them despite the minister's repeated urging. The minister concluded his sharp letter by stating, "With love for Israel."