Israeli Government Lawyer Warns National Security Minister's Public Criticism Harms Police Independence

The Israeli Government Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, submitted a detailed response to the Supreme Court concerning National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's public criticism of police conduct during a Haredi protest in Bnei Brak. She argued that Ben-Gvir's remarks send a problematic message to police officers and risk undermining their judgment in the field. The protest had sparked widespread controversy after reports emerged of stun grenades being used against Haredi demonstrators, prompting Ben-Gvir to demand urgent review and stricter adherence to protocols for such measures.

Baharav-Miara noted that despite ongoing efforts to reach agreements with Ben-Gvir on the limits of his authority over the police, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding police independence from political interference. She highlighted that Ben-Gvir rejects key principles such as police apolitical status, restrictions on political interference in police force deployment, and court rulings that regulate these issues.

The legal advisor also pointed out that violations of agreed frameworks and court injunctions have continued, citing examples including Ben-Gvir's interventions following the Bnei Brak protest. She warned that these actions damage the core protections ensuring police autonomy. The Bnei Brak incident itself had provoked public outrage due to documented police violence against Haredi protesters, leading MK Uri Maklev from United Torah Judaism to call for a parliamentary inquiry into police conduct during protests against the military draft law.

The government lawyer's submission underscores ongoing tensions between the National Security Minister and the police establishment, with the Supreme Court now involved to address these fundamental disputes over police independence and political influence.