Israel's Attorney General asks High Court to block Justice Minister's appointments to police watchdog during election period

In a petition filed with Israel's High Court of Justice, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara requested an order to prevent the advancement of appointments to the positions of Director of the Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash) and the new 'Commissioner' (a role created under the new Machash law to decide whether to transfer cases between investigative bodies) during the election period. She argued that Justice Minister Yariv Levin has significant influence over the appointing committee and that his claim that these are not ministerial appointments is disingenuous. Baharav-Miara cited established legal precedent restricting appointments before elections to prevent political considerations from influencing decisions, especially in sensitive law enforcement roles. She warned that these appointments are central to establishing a new law enforcement body and could undermine public trust and the independence of law enforcement. She also noted the committee's political involvement and the potential impact on Machash's role in ensuring free and fair elections.