Police commissioner asks attorney general: appointments without Ben Gvir's approval

Police Commissioner Danny Levy has turned to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara requesting approval for senior police appointments without the need for Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's authorization, in a move aimed at bypassing his authority. The conflict between the two has escalated over disagreements on appointments, budgets, and handling of protests, with Ben Gvir accusing Levy of changing policy under pressure from the attorney general.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy has approached Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara requesting permission to appoint senior police officers without requiring the approval and signature of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, thereby effectively bypassing his authority. This was reported by ynet. The request marks another escalation in the strained relationship between the two, which began with a brief honeymoon period in August 2024 and deteriorated into public confrontations over handling of protests, top police appointments, and budget delays. Ben Gvir accused Levy of changing policy under pressure from the attorney general, even calling him "blackmailed." Levy, for his part, backed officers who were in conflict with the minister, and in one case canceled a rank-awarding ceremony after Ben Gvir refrained from approving appointments. The conflict intensified after the elections, with Ben Gvir attributing to Levy a statement about wanting to "see blood" against Haredi protesters, an accusation the police called "delusional and shameful."