Police Commissioner Appoints New Spokesperson Amid Tensions With National Security Minister

Police Commissioner Danny Levi has appointed Superintendent Aryeh Doron as the new head of the Police Spokesperson Unit, promoting him to the rank of Assistant Commissioner. Doron will succeed Assistant Commissioner Lior Abudraham, who is set to conclude his service on January 31, 2027.

Abudraham's departure comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, stemming from a broader case involving suspicions against Prisons Commissioner Kobi Yaacobi. The Commissioner stated Abudraham's service is ending due to health reasons preventing him from continuing his duties.

The appointment of Doron occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Commissioner Levi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A significant point of contention has been Ben-Gvir's alleged interference in senior police appointments. The minister had previously instructed the commissioner to halt all appointments until after the elections.

Despite Ben-Gvir's directive, Commissioner Levi proceeded with a round of appointments for 50 officers last week. However, these appointments cannot take effect without the minister's approval. This move by the commissioner is seen as an escalation in his confrontation with Ben-Gvir, who has been accused of attempting to influence police personnel decisions.