A new frontal clash between the Ombudsman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
In a harsh official letter he sent today (Sunday), the Deputy Attorney General, Attorney Gil Limon, accuses the minister of improper and political interference in the Israel Police's appointment chain.
At the center of the letter is the minister's decision to prevent the promotion of Deputy Commissioner Ruthie Hauslich to a central position in the Investigations and Intelligence Division - VIP.
The message to the minister from the Attorney General's Office reads: "Due to foreign and political considerations, you are delaying the promotion of senior investigations officer Lt. Col. Hauslich, contrary to the position of the Commissioner-General and the senior command staff.".
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is opposing a series of appointments in the Investigations and Intelligence Division, headed by Chief Superintendent Boaz Balat. Among other things, the minister refuses to sign the appointment of Deputy Chief Superintendent Ruthie Hauslich as head of the Investigations Department. Hauslich is currently responsible, among other things, for the police's opinions regarding incitement offenses.
The delay in her appointment also delays the appointment of Deputy Chief Moran Haddad, who completed a command and staff course and is scheduled to replace Hauslich.
Attorney Limon clarified in his letter to the minister the limits of his authority: "You are not supposed to serve as 'Superintendent' and you are not the commander of the police officers. You are not authorized to 'punish' officers for their professional work just because it is not to your liking.".
The statement from the Attorney General's office also stated: "From the entirety of the matter, it appears that the weight you give to promoting officers depends on political reasons and extraneous interests, which are considerations foreign to this process. In doing so, you are signaling to police officers, including investigative officers who deal with extremely sensitive issues such as government corruption offenses and offenses of expression and online statements, that if they act in a manner that aligns with the minister's political desires, they will be promoted even if this involves disciplinary or criminal proceedings.".
""On the other hand," the letter states, "if they act in a manner that is not in line with the minister's political wishes, their promotion will be delayed even if there was no flaw in their conduct and even if the chain of command, including the Commissioner-General's position, is reversed.".
Minister Ben Gvir responded: "I heard you, Gali. Your advice was not accepted. We continue with all our strength.".
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
