Israeli Supreme Court Freezes Appointment Process for New Police Investigations Head Pending Attorney General's Response

The Israeli Supreme Court, led by Justice Itzhak Amit, has temporarily halted the selection process for the new head of the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) until the government’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, provides her response. This decision came without an official interim injunction but effectively pauses the appointment initiative spearheaded by Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

The court’s move follows petitions seeking to freeze the establishment of the new department and the appointment of its leader. Levin submitted a response to the court emphasizing that the selection committee must continue its work despite the ongoing election period, arguing that the committee operates under primary legislation from the Knesset and is not constrained by the government’s caretaker status. He strongly rejected claims by the Attorney General suggesting risks of politicization in the appointment process, describing such concerns as "fictional and political horror stories."

Levin also criticized the current Police Investigations Department’s performance as inadequate, underscoring the urgency of completing the appointment. He accused petitioners of applying double standards by respecting the Knesset only when convenient. The Supreme Court’s freeze creates a direct confrontation between the Justice Ministry and the judicial branch over whether significant appointments can proceed during an election period.

The next step awaits the Attorney General’s formal response, which will determine if the appointment process can resume or remain suspended. This legal standoff highlights tensions over judicial oversight and executive authority in Israel’s sensitive pre-election environment.