Adv. Eliad Shraga, chair of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel: “Levy’s appointment represents a real danger to the independence of the police and the rule of law in Israel”
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel submitted an urgent petition to the High Court today, Monday 26 September, demanding the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Daniel Levy to the position of commissioner be cancelled, after his appointment was approved yesterday at the cabinet meeting. The petition claims that the decision to appoint Deputy Commissioner Levy is extremely unreasonable and constitutes a serious violation of the basic principles of administrative law and public trust in the law enforcement system.
The Movement points to a series of fundamental flaws in the appointment process and the qualifications of Deputy Commissioner Levy for the position. Among other things, it is claimed that Deputy Commissioner Levy has the least experience among the top command in the police, and that in his current position as commander of the Coast District, a sharp increase in serious crime cases has been recorded.
The petition also refers to Levy’s lack of independence and his willingness to follow the wishes of the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir. It should be noted that only yesterday the case of the promotion of the police officer Meir Suissa to the rank of chief superintendent arose, despite the opposition of the attorney general. According to the petitioners, this conduct indicates Levy’s inability to withstand political pressure and to protect the independence of the police.
In addition to this, the petition emphasizes that the flaws in the appointment take on a more serious nature in light of amendment no. 37 to the Police Ordinance, which expanded the powers of the minister of national security at the expense of the independence of the police and the commissioner. Given these circumstances, the Movement claims, the appointment of a police commissioner who is truly independent from political considerations is of the utmost importance.
In light of all this, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel petitions the Supreme Court to issue a conditional order and an interim order that will delay the appointment, and to set an urgent hearing on the petition, in view of the great importance of the commissioner’s position and the need to ensure the independence of the police and the public’s trust in it.
Adv. Dr. Eliad Shraga, chair of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel: “The appointment of Daniel Levy to the position of commissioner is nothing less than a disaster for Israeli democracy. His conduct proves beyond any doubt that he is unable to withstand political pressure and defend the independence of the police. We call on the Supreme Court to intervene immediately and prevent the transformation of the Israel Police into a political tool of the Minister of National Security. This is a seminal moment in the campaign for the identity of the State of Israel as a democracy which upholds the rule of law.”
