Court Rules Itamar Ben-Gvir's Directive to Control Police Freedom of Information Responses Illegal

A recent court ruling declared that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's instruction to have police freedom of information (FOI) responses routed through his office is illegal. The decision came after a report by Kan News revealed over six months ago that Ben-Gvir's office instructed the police FOI unit to send significant requests to him for approval before publication, violating the Freedom of Information Law. The directive involved sensitive topics such as data on Jewish delays at the Temple Mount, police policy in the Judea and Samaria district, and crime statistics.

Following the exposé, the Freedom of Information Movement and the "Hatzlacha" association filed a petition with the Administrative Court. The court ruled that the police FOI officer is solely responsible for responding to FOI requests, rejecting the minister's attempt to control the information flow. During the legal process, the State Attorney's Office supported the petitioners, while Ben-Gvir was not allowed external legal representation.

After the ruling, the Freedom of Information Movement sent a letter demanding the official cancellation of Ben-Gvir's directive, but no response has been received yet. Yedi Negev, CEO of the Freedom of Information Movement, stated the ruling confirmed that Ben-Gvir's attempt to control police information was a serious legal violation. Attorney Elad Man, legal advisor to "Hatzlacha," emphasized the court's clarification that the FOI officer must exercise independent judgment and cannot subordinate decisions to the minister or any other party. The court also ordered the Ministry of National Security to re-examine withheld information separately and fully.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about political interference in police transparency and the handling of sensitive security and crime data in Israel.