Senior Police Officer Threatens Legal Action Over Ben Gvir’s Refusal to Approve Promotion

Senior Police Superintendent Yitzhak Elfasi sent a formal demand letter on Tuesday to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, accusing him of blocking Elfasi’s appointment as spokesman for the Police Intelligence and Investigations Division and Lahav 433, despite what he says was already approved by police professionals.

According to the letter, the post was supposed to be filled by an officer at the rank of superintendent, after Ben Gvir had approved an internal restructuring of the police spokesman’s office. Elfasi says he was found suitable, completed the required process, including the command course, and was awarded the superintendent rank. However, he says that when the course ended, Ben Gvir signed the promotions of all the other officers, but not his appointment.

Elfasi claims he was later told the minister refused to approve him for the role and that he should compete for other positions instead. Since then, he has allegedly been placed temporarily in a job that does not match his professional experience, while the spokesman post for Intelligence and Investigations and Lahav 433 remains without a permanent appointee.

The letter says that many months have passed since the appointment was approved by the professional ranks, yet Elfasi has not received a reasoned decision, any stated grounds for rejection, or an official hearing. His lawyers argue that this raises concern that the refusal is based on improper considerations, including remarks he allegedly made during closed professional discussions in the command course.

Elfasi demanded that Ben Gvir approve the appointment immediately or provide, within seven days, a written, detailed, and reasoned decision explaining why it is not being approved. If no response is given, he says he will petition the competent court. Ben Gvir did not respond.