Minister Ben Gvir Refuses to Approve Police Spokesperson Appointment Without Explanation

A fourth administrative petition was filed on Wednesday against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for refusing to sign the appointment of Superintendent Yitzhak (Itzik) Elpasi as spokesperson for the Investigations and Intelligence Division and Lahav 433. The petition, submitted by Elpasi himself to the Jerusalem District Court through attorneys Dov Gilad Cohen and Amir Bartal, challenges Ben Gvir's decision to withhold approval despite the recommendation of the senior police command forum and professional bodies. The petition argues that the refusal lacked a reasoned decision or proper administrative process, raising serious concerns that the decision was influenced by improper considerations, undermining police independence.

The petition details that Elpasi expressed only professional opinions during a command and staff course, responding to a circular issued by Boaz Balat, head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division, which addressed Ben Gvir's refusal to approve the promotion of Chief Inspector Emet Saban. Elpasi did not express political views but maintained his professional stance. About four months later, during a visit to the National Police College, Ben Gvir told police spokesperson officers attending the course that they must not express political opinions and that he "hears everything discussed in the command and staff course."

Two weeks after the course ended, Elpasi learned that Ben Gvir had approved all course participants' appointments except his and Chief Inspector Reut Rozenberg's, also from the Investigations Division. Rozenberg had previously filed a petition against Ben Gvir for a similar refusal. Despite multiple requests from Elpasi and deputy legal advisors for an explanation, Ben Gvir has not provided any justification for his refusal to approve these appointments.