High Court asks Levin whether he will advance PID appointments before election

Israel's High Court of Justice has directed Justice Minister Yariv Levin to clarify his intentions regarding senior appointments within the Police Investigation Department (PID) before the upcoming October 27 election. The court has given Levin and the Attorney-General’s Office until Sunday to submit their response.

The specific appointments in question include the PID director, members of the committee tasked with selecting the director, and a retired judge responsible for overseeing investigations into police officers. A three-justice panel is considering three petitions challenging the restructuring of the PID, which separates it from the State Attorney’s Office.

The court's order references Supreme Court precedent that calls for particular restraint in making senior public-sector appointments during an election period. While Israeli law does not completely prohibit appointments during elections, courts have historically urged governments to exercise caution, especially for long-term positions that could influence the next administration. Appointments may proceed if a position is urgently needed or if delaying it would harm the public interest.

The law, passed in June, establishes the PID as a distinct Justice Ministry department, aiming to enhance its independence and public confidence. Supporters argue this separation addresses an inherent conflict of interest within the previous structure, where prosecutors worked closely with police while also overseeing investigations into police misconduct.