Lawyer for Unit 100 Commander Joins Selection Committee for New Independent Police Investigations Head

Attorney Avi Amiram, who represented the commander of Unit 100 in the controversial Pazeret case, has been appointed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin to serve on the selection committee for the new head of the Police Investigations Department (Mahash). The committee, chaired by Donenfeld, has already issued a call for applications for the position of the new department director, with a submission deadline set for two weeks from now.

The selection committee, officially named the Committee for Choosing the Director of the Police Investigations Department, includes Donenfeld as chair, a retired Supreme or District Court judge appointed by Knesset State Comptroller Alon Schuster, a criminal law expert appointed by Justice Minister Levin (Amiram), and an experienced investigator or prosecutor appointed by the Civil Service Commissioner in consultation with the Ministry of Justice. The new director must be qualified to serve as a judge and have investigative experience. The term is six years but can be shortened if the committee decides to dismiss the director early.

The law also mandates appointing a special coordinator, a retired district or Supreme Court judge, to resolve jurisdictional disputes between Mahash and other enforcement bodies. This role is critical as the new Mahash will operate independently, with authority to initiate investigations and file indictments without the prior approval of the Attorney General or State Prosecutor, a significant departure from current practice.

The reform follows repeated criticism from the State Comptroller, Public Defender, and a special government team, which highlighted serious deficiencies in Mahash's handling of police offenses. A February 2025 report emphasized the challenges caused by Mahash's subordination to the prosecution and its close ties to the police, recommending the establishment of an independent investigative body. This new structure aims to enhance accountability and impartiality in police investigations.