4 days ago
Former police chiefs petition High Court to block Ben-Gvir's role in police promotions
The petitioners argue that Ben-Gvir should be stripped of the authority to approve promotions for investigative officers.
A group of former police chiefs and commissioners has petitioned the High Court of Justice against National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, alleging that he is delaying the promotion of Superintendent Rinat Saban, the lead investigator in Case 4000.
This delay has continued despite the strong recommendation of Police Commissioner Daniel Levi and the opinion of Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara.
However, the petition addresses more than just Saban's promotion. It aims to stop the minister from having the authority, along with the police commissioner, to approve future promotions of officers in Lahav 433 and investigative officers ranked as commanders and above.
The petitioners argue that Ben-Gvir should be stripped of the authority to approve promotions for investigative officers.
"We view the minister's decision as tainted by political motives intended to deter future investigative officers from pursuing cases of public corruption,' the petition states. It calls on the High Court to order the immediate promotion of Chief Superintendent Rinat Saban and to rule that Ben-Gvir should not be involved in the promotion of Lahav 433 officers.
In the past, former Labor MK and public security minister Omer Bar Lev appointed a committee to review promotions and assignments within the Israel Police.
Led by former police commissioner Moshe Karadi, the committee also included MK David Bitan, former Maj. Gen. Gila Gaziel, and representatives from the National Security Ministry.
One of the committee's main recommendations was to restrict ministerial involvement in promoting officers within the investigative field. Both former police commissioner Kobi Shabta and MK Bar Lev agreed with the committee's conclusions. However, due to the timing of the Knesset elections, there was not enough time to turn the recommendations into law.
Ben-Gvir intervened in the police commissioner's plan to promote Saban, who had previously led the investigation into Yonatan Urich, a former aide to the prime minister. Ben-Gvir contacted the police, requesting a re-examination of Saban's promotion, arguing that the information given to him about her case was flawed and incomplete.
According to Ben-Gvir, this was critical information that should have been made available to him before any decision was reached.
Ben-Gvir cites 'serious judicial concerns'
In his letter, Ben-Gvir referenced serious judicial rulings concerning Saban, which he said painted a troubling picture of her performance. He specifically cited decisions by Justices Yosef Elron and Hanan Meltzer in the case involving the prime minister's advisers' phone calls, which criticized significant flaws in the investigation process.
Despite these objections, the police remained resolute, quickly issuing a statement reaffirming their support for Saban's promotion. They praised her professionalism and experience, rejecting the minister's criticisms.
The police statement read: 'Recently, defamatory publications have been made against Superintendent Rinat Saban, damaging the reputation of a highly qualified and professional officer. The question of her promotion was thoroughly reviewed by the police commissioner and senior staff of the Israel Police. In accordance with all procedures and regulations, it was decided that she is deserving of attending the Command and Staff College and advancing in rank.'
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