Police Officers' Attorney Issues Rare Warning: Ben Gvir Trying to Become 'Super Commissioner'

Attorney Ofer Bartal, the police officers' attorney, warns in an interview that Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is trying to become a 'super commissioner' by controlling officer promotions. Bartal claims Ben Gvir uses his authority to sign off on appointments to take over the police, and that officers fear him. He refers to the case of an officer who was not promoted, and emphasizes the need for the investigations department's independence.

Attorney Ofer Bartal, the police officers' attorney, warns in an interview with Maariv that National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is trying to become a 'super commissioner' by controlling officer promotions. Bartal explains that under the law, the minister has the authority to sign off on appointments at the rank of Deputy Commander and above, and that in the past, ministers served as a rubber stamp. He claims Ben Gvir uses this authority to take over the police, and that officers fear him due to his influence on promotion. Bartal refers to the case of an officer who was not promoted after speaking before a Knesset committee, and argues that the investigations department should be independent. Additionally, he recounts the case of an adopted child with fetal alcohol syndrome, and refers to the candidacy of Bakshee for the Supreme Court and advice to Yonatan Orich.