National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Interviews Nearly 100 Police Officers for Promotion

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir conducted interviews with 96 police officers ranked from Lieutenant Colonel (Resf) upwards who are candidates for promotion in 2025. This follows a similar initiative in 2024, when Ben-Gvir met with 109 officers of the same rank. In contrast, previous ministers typically only interviewed candidates for the highest ranks of Commander (Nitzav) and Deputy Commander (Tanatz).

The minister's extensive interviews come amid escalating tensions with Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai over upcoming appointments. Ben-Gvir accuses Shabtai of deliberately delaying the promotion cycle to coincide with elections, aiming to push through candidates he opposes. Ben-Gvir claims Shabtai is controlled by the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, who allegedly insists on appointing Tamar Liberty, a former associate of Shabtai, to the position of Deputy Legal Advisor for the Police.

Earlier in the month, Shabtai canceled a meeting of the Police General Staff intended to approve dozens of promotions, citing a leak of candidate names. A subsequent meeting was also disrupted when Ben-Gvir ordered it not to proceed, arguing that appointments should not be made during an election period and that each should be approved individually by him. Despite Ben-Gvir's objections, Shabtai proceeded with the meeting and approved some appointments, including Liberty's, which Ben-Gvir has stated he will not sign.

Adding to the friction, Ben-Gvir conspicuously missed a New Year's toast ceremony at the National Police College, which was also meant to include a promotion ceremony. This absence was notable given his attendance at a similar event for the Prison Service earlier that week. A spokesperson for Ben-Gvir stated that the minister has significantly increased the police budget, raised officer salaries, and established new units, attributing the lack of promotions to the Police Commissioner being influenced by the Attorney General.