A-G deputies warn Ben-Gvir over alleged pattern of blocking police promotions

Israel's Deputy Attorneys-General Gil Limon and Sharon Afek have issued a stern warning to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressing grave concern over his repeated refusal to approve senior police appointments. They fear this pattern suggests a systematic misuse of his powers that could undermine the independence of the police force.

In a sharply worded letter, the two senior Justice Ministry officials urged Ben-Gvir to urgently explain his inaction on two specific appointments recommended by Police Commissioner Daniel Levi and the Israel Police senior command staff. The cases involve Supt. Reut Rosenberg, recommended for promotion to chief superintendent and head of the torts section in the police legal advisory division in August 2025, and Ch.-Supt. Itzik Alfasi, whose appointment as spokesman for the Investigations and Intelligence Division was reportedly blocked.

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These cases once again raise a grave concern that these are not isolated or exceptional incidents, but systematic conduct in which the appointment authority entrusted to you is being misused in relation to sensitive police units that deal with law enforcement.

Limon and Afek noted that nine months have passed without Ben-Gvir approving Rosenberg's promotion or providing a substantive explanation, leading Rosenberg to file an administrative petition. The deputies stated there was no legal obstacle to completing her appointment and that Ben-Gvir was required to do so unless he could present weighty reasons. Regarding Alfasi, they noted that Ben-Gvir refused to sign off on his appointment, resulting in Alfasi being moved to another position.

The deputies emphasized that these cases cannot be viewed in isolation, warning that they indicate systematic conduct where the appointment authority is being misused, particularly concerning sensitive police units. They cautioned that even if appointments are eventually completed after legal intervention, the damage to police independence and morale may already be done, creating a chilling effect on officers in sensitive positions.

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The very fact that police officers in sensitive positions are required to initiate legal proceedings against the national security minister because of unlawful action taken by him creates a chilling effect and may negatively affect the independence of the police.