Ben Gvir's Boycott Halts Police Spokesperson Appointment

National Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai's preferred candidate for the head of the police spokesperson unit, Superintendent Aryeh Doron, will not be appointed. The appointment and Doron's promotion to the rank of Brigadier General are being blocked due to a boycott of appointments by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Ben-Gvir has reportedly instructed his associates not to approve any appointments or promotions within the police force until his demands are met. The exact nature of these demands is not specified in the report, but the standoff has led to a paralysis in key police personnel decisions.

Commissioner Shabtai had personally selected Doron for the senior role, viewing him as the ideal candidate to lead the police's public relations efforts. The minister's refusal to allow the appointment signifies a significant power struggle between the police commissioner and the minister responsible for the force.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions between the police leadership and the political echelon, particularly concerning the appointment of senior officers. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for future appointments and the operational independence of the police commissioner.