Attorney General: Political appointments in the Police Investigation Department raise concerns of election interference

After Supreme Court justices ordered Justice Minister Yariv Levin to clarify whether he intends to promote appointments to the position of Director of the Police Investigation Department (Mahash) and the Administrator under the new Mahash law during the election period, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted her response to the Supreme Court this evening (Thursday). She determined that promoting these appointments during the election period raises concerns of election interference due to the potential intimidation of police officers and prosecutors. The Attorney General is requesting that the court issue an order preventing the implementation of steps to promote these appointments during the election period.

"In our position, it is not possible to promote changes in the law enforcement system in the midst of an election period, and it is not possible to promote these appointments during the election period," the Attorney General wrote. "An order must be issued to prevent the implementation of steps to promote the appointment procedures for the position of Director and the position of Administrator during the election period."

Baharav-Miara emphasized that completing the establishment of the committee and promoting appointments to highly sensitive positions in a process subject to significant political influence contradicts fundamental principles of criminal law and election laws. She warned that such actions could harm the ability of the law enforcement system to fulfill its duties to maintain the integrity of the upcoming elections.

As recalled, the Supreme Court justices requested clarification from Minister Levin after the Attorney General announced that the deadline for submitting candidacies for the position of Director of Mahash had been extended again until August 16 — and will expire about two months before the elections scheduled for October 27.

About two weeks ago, it was first reported on Channel 13 News that retired District Court Judge Moshe Drori, who is close to the government, is one of Minister Levin's leading candidates for the position of Administrator of Mahash under the new law, which will take effect in 2027.

The law introduces full politicization into the Police Investigation Department, such that its director will be chosen by the Justice Minister through a committee, the majority of which consists of the minister's appointees. The law could lead to journalists being brought into interrogation rooms without the approval of the Attorney General, and gives politicians the power to decide who will be investigated in order to deter criminal investigations against the government.

The duties and powers of the Administrator under the new law include resolving jurisdictional disputes regarding the transfer of files between Mahash and other investigative bodies, as well as determining the investigating or prosecuting authority in cases where doubt or disagreement arises.