Israeli High Court limits Ben-Gvir’s powers over police appointments and public comments

The court also set out a timetable for further coordination between the government and the legal system.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Israel’s High Court of Justice on Thursday issued interim orders restricting the powers of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following hearings on petitions calling for his dismissal.

The nine-justice panel ruled that Ben-Gvir’s authority over senior law enforcement appointments will be curtailed and that he must refrain from public statements regarding police use of force against civilians, as well as matters involving ongoing investigations.

Future senior police appointments, the judges said, must be based on recommendations from the Israel Police and handled with prior notification to the Attorney General.

The decision relates to several key positions within the police force, including the head of the investigations division, the legal adviser to the police, and senior prosecution-related posts.

While the minister formally retains responsibility for appointments, the justices stressed that selections must follow professional recommendations and that deviations from those recommendations will not be permitted under the interim framework.

The court also set out a timetable for further coordination between the government and the legal system.

It ordered Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to submit drafts of the procedures exchanged between her and Ben-Gvir’s representatives to the court by April 19.

The court also ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Baharav-Miara to report back to the court by May 3 on whether they were able to reach agreements.

Ahead of the ruling, Justice Minister Yariv Levin sharply criticized the proceedings, arguing that the court lacked authority to intervene.

“The hearing taking place in the High Court of Justice is against the law, and the judges’ decision will have no validity anyway,” Levin said.

He added, “The authority to appoint or dismiss a minister is given by law to the Prime Minister, not to the court.”