Attorney-general asks High Court to block PID appointments until after October elections

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has petitioned the High Court of Justice to block the government from appointing new leaders to the Police Investigations Department (PID) until after the October 27 elections. Baharav-Miara argues that Justice Minister Yariv Levin has undue influence over the selection committee for these two long-term positions: a six-year director and a three-year senior official to resolve investigation disputes. She contends that making these appointments before the election would allow the current government to shape a sensitive law-enforcement body for years, potentially deterring police, investigators, and prosecutors due to perceived political control.

Levin has 'significant influence' over voting committee

The Attorney-General's filing details how Levin or his office influences three of the five committee members. Baharav-Miara cited High Court precedent that permanent appointments should generally be avoided during an election period when no urgent need exists. The High Court is also considering broader petitions against the new law, passed in June, which moves PID from the State Attorney's Office to the Justice Ministry, a move critics argue will politicize police investigations.