Ben Gvir Attacks Attorney General, Clashes with Police Commissioner Over Appointments

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir highlighted the placement of MK Tali Gotliv on the slate, presenting her as a key figure in the struggle against the judicial system and the Attorney General.

Speaking to Moti Tuchfeld on Galey Israel, Ben Gvir stated:

"The fight against the bureaucracy and the deep state is one of the central stories of Otzma Yehudit in these elections—that is also why I appointed Tali Gotliv. I do not work for Gali Baharav-Miara, nor for the legal junta. I will not appoint Israel Police officers according to the wishes of the Attorney General. Gali Baharav-Miara is confused; she thinks she is the Prime Minister and she truly needs to be fired."

Ben Gvir's remarks come against the backdrop of an escalating crisis over senior police appointments. As reported by journalist Milan Omer, a clash has broken out between the National Security Minister and Police Commissioner Danny Levy, following Ben Gvir's refusal to approve police appointments during the election period over concerns that the commissioner is coordinating appointments in line with Baharav-Miara's wishes.

In response, sources close to the Police Commissioner clarified that the appointment process will move forward, stating:

"The Commissioner will continue with the appointments and expects the Minister to support them."

However, senior police appointments legally require the approval of the National Security Minister, meaning the commissioner's stance is likely to deepen the dispute while falling short of enabling him to finalize the blocked appointments independently.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Police Commissioner Danny Levy is set to meet with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to emphasize his independent stance and declare that he is not subservient to the minister.