Justice Minister Yair Levin Advances Police Investigations Head Appointment Despite Legal Challenges

Justice Minister Yair Levin is proceeding with the appointment process for the head of the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) despite opposition from the Attorney General and a petition filed with the Supreme Court. The tender for the position closed this week after three postponements, and the selection committee is expected to convene next week to evaluate the candidates.

Among the leading contenders are Roy Kahlon, head of the Arab sector crime-fighting staff; Dr. Gal Zandani, a lawyer; Ronen Yitzhak, currently serving as acting head of Mahash; and Attorney Orly Ben Ari, deputy prosecutor of the Central District. The selection committee includes the Civil Service Commissioner, the Director General of the Justice Ministry, and Attorney Avi Amiram.

The appointment process has faced delays and legal challenges, including a petition to the Supreme Court and opposition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. In response to the petition, Minister Levin stated that the process would continue despite the election period, citing precedent where a Chief of Staff was appointed shortly before elections. He emphasized there is no legal barrier to appointing the head of Mahash now.

The committee's upcoming deliberations mark a critical phase in selecting the new leader of the unit responsible for investigating police officers, a role that has been temporarily filled by Ronen Yitzhak. The process reflects ongoing tensions between the Justice Ministry and the Attorney General's office regarding this key appointment.