Police Commissioner Appoints Officers Amid Minister's Refusal to Sign Off

Police Commissioner Dany Levy has taken an unusual step by assigning approximately 15 senior officers to new positions due to urgent operational needs, bypassing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who refused to sign off on the appointments. To circumvent the minister's refusal, the officers have been placed under "operational attachment" and are already performing their duties. This measure allows the officers to assume their roles and responsibilities without the formal appointment process being completed, addressing a critical command shortage within the police force.

Among the key positions filled is the head of the Prosecution Division, responsible for the police's prosecution policy and filing charges in about 90% of Israeli cases. Superintendent Dana Amit was selected for this role, having already begun acting in the capacity under the "operational attachment" designation, despite the minister's pending signature.

Commissioner Levy stated in private conversations that "nothing will deter the police from continuing to fulfill its duty to protect public safety," emphasizing that the officers' placement was necessary for "critical operational needs of the organization."

The relationship between Minister Ben-Gvir and Commissioner Levy has reportedly deteriorated since the elections. Ben-Gvir accused Levy of trying to appease the left-wing, claiming Levy was acting against the ultra-Orthodox community and seeking favor with the incoming government, specifically mentioning Yair Golan. The Commissioner's office has vehemently denied Ben-Gvir's allegations.