Police Chief Approves Key Appointments Over Security Minister's Objections

The Commissioner of the Israel Police, Daniel Levy, has reportedly approved a second list of appointments to senior command positions, despite objections from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The appointments are for commander-level roles, the fourth highest rank within the police force. This follows Levy's approval of approximately 50 appointments to assistant commissioner positions the previous week. Ben-Gvir had previously stated his intention not to approve non-urgent appointments before the upcoming October 27th parliamentary elections. Media reports suggest the disagreements stem partly from specific candidates Levy wishes to promote, whom Ben-Gvir opposes. Sources indicate the minister's stance may be linked to the perceived closeness of some officers to the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara. Separately, the police and the Ministry of National Security are engaged in a dispute over the budget. The police claim the ministry has failed to transfer 330 million shekels as obligated, while the ministry accuses the police of excessive spending.