Police Commissioner Approves New Appointments Amidst Standoff With National Security Minister

Despite an ongoing dispute with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Police Commissioner Danny Levi has approved a series of new appointments within the Israel Police. The appointments, confirmed during a senior staff meeting, are still contingent on Ben-Gvir's final signature before they can take effect.

The decision comes amid a continuing rift between Ben-Gvir and Levi over personnel decisions. Ben-Gvir had previously informed the commissioner that he would not approve non-urgent appointments during the election period. Sources close to the minister suggested that Levi's proposed appointments were aligned with the Attorney General's office, prompting Ben-Gvir's reluctance.

Conversely, sources close to the commissioner maintained that the appointment process would continue, with an expectation that the minister would support the advancement of officers. The disagreement over these appointments has reportedly become a central point of contention between the two leaders in recent weeks.

Relations reportedly soured further after Levi met with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara without Ben-Gvir, leading the minister to send a sharp letter stating, "I will not let you turn the police into a puppet on a string."

With the commissioner's approval now secured, the ball is back in the minister's court. Ben-Gvir's office views the commissioner's move as an attempt to exert pressure through the waiting officers and public discourse. It remains uncertain whether Ben-Gvir will sign off on the approved appointments or adhere to his stance of only approving urgent ones, a decision that is expected to deepen the crisis at the top of the police force.