Despite minister's opposition: Police commissioner will hold discussions on new appointments

Police Commissioner Danny Levy intends to hold an officer placement discussion on Thursday and continue the process of appointing station and district commanders, despite the opposition of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Enforcement system sources said this is a declarative and PR move with no practical significance, as the appointments require the minister's approval. Ben Gvir is not signing off on new appointments, delaying retirement procedures and budgets as part of the confrontation with the commissioner.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy intends to hold an officer placement discussion on Thursday and continue the process of appointing station and district commanders, despite the firm opposition of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. This was reported this evening (Tuesday) by Kan News. Although the appointments require the minister's approval to be implemented, this is a declarative move by Levy, a kind of appreciation signal to officers in the police force. Enforcement system sources told Kan News that this is a "PR move" with no actual significance, and that a freeze on appointments is expected for several months, until the next government is formed. Currently, Ben Gvir is not signing off on new appointments, delaying retirement procedures for police personnel, and is not transferring budgets to the organization — all as part of the confrontation with the commissioner. Ben Gvir's office responded: "The National Security Minister informed the commissioner that he does not intend to approve appointments until the elections except for exceptional cases after being convinced they are urgent, and therefore there is no value to the commissioner's discussion, who is a recommending body, not an appointing one. If the commissioner truly wished to promote urgent appointments, he knows the right way." Last week, Ben Gvir claimed that Levy is controlled by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Ben Gvir said these remarks in reference to the crisis with Levy, which according to the minister does not revolve around budget delays for the police. "The dispute is about appointments during elections, and about the fact that the commissioner is controlled by the attorney general."