Criticism Mounts Over Legal Adviser in National Security Ministry

Senior figures in law enforcement and the National Security Ministry are sharply criticizing the ministry’s legal adviser, attorney Ariel Sizel, saying he is failing to act as a proper gatekeeper. One source was quoted as saying, “The role of a legal adviser is to be a gatekeeper, not a potted plant.” The criticism, reported Saturday night by Channel 13, comes even though Sizel was appointed before Itamar Ben Gvir took office.

According to the report, officials say Sizel has avoided intervening in several disputed issues, including the minister’s refusal to promote and award ranks to Deputy Superintendent Rinat Saban and Deputy Superintendent Ruti Hauslich. The ministry responded that the report was “hostile, biased and timed” to drive a wedge between Ben Gvir and the ministry’s professional ranks. It said Sizel is a dedicated civil servant and a top professional who follows the law and proper administrative procedures.

The report also said that earlier in the week Police Commissioner Danny Levy announced the appointment of Eiran Nahon, the Prison Service legal adviser, as the next legal adviser to the police. On Friday, Channel 13’s “Shishi” aired exclusive footage from the appointment ceremony, where Ben Gvir said, “The legal advice in the police should be enabling.”

The report says Ben Gvir wanted to appoint his associate Nahon from the Prison Service to the police legal adviser post, and used a “fake” candidacy to advance the approval. This week, the maneuver succeeded: Nahon received the rank of brigadier general and was appointed police legal adviser. Police officials said the move would enable Ben Gvir “to take over various institutions in the police.”