Israeli Government Legal Advisor Seeks to Delay Police Investigations Unit Appointments Until After Elections

The Israeli Government Legal Advisor has petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the advancement of appointments for the new Police Investigations Department (Mahash) director and the coordinator overseeing police investigations until after the October 27 Knesset elections. The advisor argues that promoting these appointments now, through a committee heavily influenced by the Minister of Justice, could undermine law enforcement operations during the sensitive pre-election period and intimidate police officers, investigators, and prosecutors.

The petition follows a court request for clarification on whether relevant parties intend to proceed with the appointments before the 26th Knesset elections. The Legal Advisor highlighted that the appointment committee is not yet fully formed, but three of its five members are directly or significantly influenced by the Justice Minister, including the committee chair who is the Ministry's Director-General and a close ally of the minister. This composition raises concerns that the committee could make decisions dominated by the minister’s representatives.

The Legal Advisor emphasized that advancing these politically sensitive appointments now conflicts with fundamental criminal law principles and election laws, potentially harming the police investigations unit’s independence and its ability to ensure fair elections. The appointments would also bind the next government, as the director’s term is six years and the coordinator’s three years, limiting future governmental discretion.

The current Mahash continues to operate under an acting director with extensive experience, so delaying appointments would not create a leadership vacuum. The Legal Advisor requested the Supreme Court to issue an injunction preventing any appointment actions during the election period.

In response, MK Moshe Saada, who initiated the new Mahash law, sharply criticized the Legal Advisor, accusing her of creating fear and obstructing reforms aimed at improving law enforcement accountability. Saada vowed that those responsible for covering up alleged misconduct and persecuting right-wing activists would be held accountable, declaring an end to deference to the so-called deep state.