Ben Gvir Delays Police Intelligence Spokesperson Appointment, Lawyers Threaten Petition

Lawyers Amir Bartal and Dov Gilad Cohen sent a pre-litigation letter on Tuesday to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levy demanding that the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Itzik Elפסי as spokesperson for the police Intelligence and Investigations Division be completed without delay. They said Elפסי was chosen lawfully by the national command staff in 2025, but more than six months have passed without Ben Gvir signing the appointment or issuing a reasoned decision.

The letter argues that leaving the division without a permanent spokesperson during a sensitive period, ahead of and during elections, could seriously harm police communications, transparency with the media, and the ability to provide the public with regular and professional information. The lawyers also asked Ben Gvir to explain in detail why he has refused to sign the appointment.

They warned that if no substantive response is received within seven days, they will petition the court. The move comes amid repeated delays by Ben Gvir in approving senior police appointments despite recommendations from the police command.

The article notes that three officers from the Intelligence and Investigations Division have already gone to court after their promotions were delayed by Ben Gvir. Among them is Rinet Saban, whose appointment as assistant head of the division and her senior superintendent rank were initially blocked by the minister before the court later approved the appointment.