Justice Minister Iriv Levin Pushes Ahead With Police Investigations Unit Head Appointment Amid Legal Battle

The legal conflict over implementing the new Police Investigations Unit (Mahash) law between Israeli Justice Minister Iriv Levin and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is set to intensify early next week. Levin plans to inform the Supreme Court that he will proceed with appointing the head of Mahash despite the ongoing election period. He argues that since the law was passed in June before the official election announcement, the usual restrictions on significant government decisions during elections do not apply. The new law removes Mahash from the Attorney General's Office, making it an independent unit under the direct authority of the Justice Ministry and the minister.

Levin insists the selection process for the new Mahash head, for which he extended the application deadline, will continue. He also contends that since the previous government appointed IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi during the 2022 election period with Supreme Court approval, appointing Mahash's head via a professional committee without politicians is similarly permissible.

Conversely, Attorney General Baharav-Miara joined petitioners opposing the law and its immediate implementation, requesting an interim injunction to halt the appointment until a comprehensive ruling is made. She warned that advancing the appointment already activates the law, despite claims it applies only after the next Knesset convenes. She criticized the emerging appointment committee as politically controlled, potentially politicizing Mahash, which investigates police and security personnel suspected of offenses. She argued this threatens the rule of law and the independence of law enforcement agencies.

Legal experts highlight the sensitivity of appointing a key law enforcement figure during elections, noting the minister's move is unprecedented and risks undermining independent policing. They reject Levin's comparison to the IDF Chief of Staff appointment, emphasizing Mahash currently has an acting head and functions effectively. Last week, the Supreme Court ordered Levin to clarify his intentions regarding the appointment before the elections. The law, passed in June despite legal counsel opposition and warnings it would politicize police investigations, passed with 43 Knesset members supporting and 39 opposing. Critics fear the law will reduce corruption investigations, as police officers may hesitate to probe senior officials fearing career repercussions.