Ben Gvir’s Maneuver Clears the Way for His Ally to Become Police Legal Adviser

Police Commissioner Danny Levy announced earlier this week that Eran Nahon, the legal adviser of the Israel Prison Service, would become the Israel Police legal adviser. On Friday night, Channel 13’s “Friday” program revealed the maneuver used by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to push through the appointment of his close associate.

According to the report, Ben Gvir wanted Nahon, whom he trusts, to move from the Prison Service to the police legal department. To advance that goal, he allegedly put forward a “fake” competing candidate, a move that helped secure approval for Nahon. The tactic succeeded this week, and Nahon received the rank of commissioner and was formally appointed police legal adviser.

At the appointment ceremony, Ben Gvir said, “The legal advisory in the police needs to be enabling.” Police sources said, “This will allow Ben Gvir to take over various institutions in the police.” The appointment dispute had delayed a number of expected senior police promotions, and now that process is expected to begin.

Three commissioners are expected to retire soon, the deputy commissioner, the head of planning, and the officer responsible for Arab crime. Levy is expected to reshuffle among the commissioners, and the commanders of the Northern and Coastal districts have asked to be included. Ben Gvir also wants to take control of the investigations division and appoint a different officer in place of Commissioner Boaz Balt, but Levy is expected to try to block that effort.

In its statement marking the rank ceremony, the police said Ben Gvir and Levy had awarded Nahon his new rank and official appointment letter, and wished him success. The police added that Levy praised Nahon’s professional experience, values of excellence, integrity, and deep commitment to public service, and said he was confident Nahon would lead the legal advisory system responsibly and professionally.