Justice Minister Levin Insists Police Investigations Unit Head Appointment Will Proceed During Election Period

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has informed the Supreme Court that the committee responsible for appointing the new head of the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) will continue its work immediately, despite the ongoing election period. Levin emphasized that the election timeline does not affect the committee's authority or obligation to proceed, as it operates under primary legislation enacted by the Knesset and is not subject to caretaker government restrictions.

Levin strongly rejected concerns raised by the State Attorney and legal advisors about potential politicization of the appointment process, describing such fears as "fictional and political horror stories." He clarified that the appointment is conducted without interference from the minister or government and argued that even appointments like the State Attorney involve greater political influence.

Addressing claims that the appointment could constrain the next government, Levin noted that the Knesset retains the power to amend laws as it sees fit, stating, "the mouth that forbade is the mouth that permits." He stressed the urgency of completing the appointment because the current Mahash is functioning inadequately. Levin also criticized the State Attorney's Office for applying a double standard by respecting the Knesset only when convenient.

In his concluding remarks, Levin asserted there is no legal barrier to advancing the appointments and that the committee will continue its search for a new Mahash head without delay, dismissing attempts to portray the process as politically improper during elections.