Story perspectives

Ben-Gvir Blocks 141 Police Appointments Before Oct. 27

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will block senior police appointments until after the Oct 27 election.
He warned that appointments six weeks before voting could appear as a power grab.
The freeze covers 141 senior officers, including 11 assistant commissioners and 130 commanders.
Police Commissioner Daniel Levy approved Assistant Commissioner Tamar Liberty despite Ben-Gvir’s order.
Senior police officials will petition the High Court, arguing Ben-Gvir ignored a ruling requiring seven-day notice.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 President Richard Nixon ordered the “Saturday Night Massacre,” firing special prosecutor Archibald Cox after Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy William Ruckelshaus resigned. That episode showed how presidential interference can cripple independent law-enforcement, a pattern echoed today as Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has blocked 141 senior police appointments. Both cases sparked public outcry and calls for reforms to protect checks-and-balances.

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Story summary

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will block senior police appointments until after the Oct 27 election.
He warned that appointments six weeks before voting could appear as a power grab.
The freeze covers 141 senior officers, including 11 assistant commissioners and 130 commanders.
Police Commissioner Daniel Levy approved Assistant Commissioner Tamar Liberty despite Ben-Gvir’s order.
Senior police officials will petition the High Court, arguing Ben-Gvir ignored a ruling requiring seven-day notice.

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