Mar 11 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

Unusually, the Police Commissioner Consulted Amir Ohana About Appointing a Commissioner Who Was His Confidant

The Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levi consulted Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana regarding the appointment of Eran Nahum as the police's legal advisor, reflecting a rare intersection of political influence and police appointments.

In an unusual move, Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levi sought the advice of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana on whether to appoint Eran Nahum, who is currently the legal advisor for the prison service, as the police's legal advisor. Ohana recommended Nahum, who is known for his close ties with him during Ohana's tenure as Interior Minister. This consultation is notable because it deviates from the standard practice of securing professional counsel from police commanders on such matters, raising questions about the influence of political figures in police appointments.

The recommendation from Ohana, which Levi reportedly took into consideration when ultimately appointing Nahum to the position, has sparked some scrutiny. Although Levi had reservations about the appointment, the recommendation reflected earlier patterns where Ohana had previously promoted Nahum during his time as Interior Minister, especially following Nahum's involvement in controversial decisions, such as preventing COVID-19 vaccinations for prisoners. The close relationship between the two, especially under political circumstances, draws attention to the intertwining of political alliances and police operations.

Moreover, Nahum's situation is compounded by the fact that after he facilitated the investigation against the former head of the prison service, he became a politically sensitive figure; however, he found new support under Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and current Commissioner Kobi Yakobi. This incident underscores the delicate balance of power within Israel's law enforcement and the potential implications of political patronage affecting the integrity and independence of police appointments.

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