Yariv Levin to receive separate representation in petitions against the Mahash law

Minister of Justice Yariv Levin has been granted the right to separate legal representation in petitions filed against the Mahash law he promoted. This follows fundamental disagreements between the minister and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has officially joined the petitioners.

Attorney Harel Arnon will represent Levin, with the state covering expenses of 50,000 shekels. The approval was granted by a committee headed by Ministry of Justice Director-General Itamar Donnenfeld, based on an opinion from Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon, who confirmed the existence of "fundamental disagreements" between the parties.

The minister is required to clarify his position to the Supreme Court by today. As revealed by Ynet, Levin intends to inform the Court that he is proceeding with the selection process for the head of Mahash, despite the current election period. Levin's primary argument is that the law was passed in June, prior to the official announcement of Knesset elections, and therefore the standard restrictions on government appointments during a transitional period do not apply.

Levin insists on continuing the tender for the new Mahash head, emphasizing that the selection committee is professional and devoid of political appointees. He cites the precedent of the previous government appointing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi during the 2022 election period, a move upheld by the Supreme Court.

Conversely, Baharav-Miara will request an interim injunction from the Supreme Court to halt the appointment until a comprehensive ruling on the law is reached. She argues that pushing for the appointment effectively implements the law prematurely, despite its deferred application clause. She contends that the committee being established serves as a tool for political control, leading to the politicization of the body responsible for investigating police and security personnel misconduct.

Constitutional law experts have expressed concern, noting that during an election period, the government should refrain from significant, non-urgent changes or appointments. They argue that the comparison to the IDF Chief of Staff is irrelevant, as the IDF cannot function without a commander, whereas Mahash currently has a functioning director and is operating normally.