In a statement released today, Israeli legal advisor Gali Behar-Miara highlighted that Minister Ben Gvir is delaying the promotion of police investigator Ruthie Hauslich due to political considerations. This acknowledgment comes after a report in 'Haaretz' indicated that Ben Gvir’s refusal to approve Hauslich’s advancement undermines the independence of the Israeli police. Behar-Miara warned that such actions create a serious risk of abusing the appointment powers within the police force, compromising its integrity as a politically neutral entity.

Furthermore, Behar-Miara's colleagues, Deputy Legal Advisors Sharon Afek and Gil Limon, echoed her concerns in a letter directed at Ben Gvir. They expressed apprehension that his refusal to support Hauslich's promotion stems from ulterior motives. The letter insisted that Ben Gvir should not act beyond his authority and emphasized that the advancement of police officials should follow a professional dialogue within the police hierarchy, noting that he should not 'punish' officers for their professional stances if they do not align with his political preferences.

The situation signifies a troubling precedent in terms of police governance and political influence in Israel. By calling for a substantive and justified decision on Hauslich's promotion, Behar-Miara and her deputies are advocating for the preservation of the police’s professional standards and autonomy. Their demand highlights the essential need for transparency in police appointments, particularly at senior levels, to protect the institution from political meddling that could jeopardize its functionality and public trust.