National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Clashes With Police Commissioner Over Officer Appointments

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a letter to the Police Commissioner on Thursday demanding the cancellation of a senior officer appointment discussion, which proceeded as scheduled despite his objections. Ben-Gvir argued that holding the discussion, especially during an election period, "directly harms the officers and creates false expectations." He reminded the Commissioner of his stance against non-urgent senior appointments during elections and of the Commissioner's prior commitment not to appoint senior officers until after the elections, a commitment Ben-Gvir stated the Commissioner had reneged on.

Ben-Gvir also indicated he would not approve any non-urgent appointments during the election period. The Commissioner, however, reportedly refused Ben-Gvir's demand and proceeded with the appointment discussion as planned. The National Security Ministry stated that its legal counsel had sent the Commissioner a document demanding action in accordance with the law and directives during elections, and that the Commissioner is expected to continue adhering to Minister Ben-Gvir's policy and the ministry's guidelines.