High Court asks Levin whether he will advance PID appointments before election

The High Court of Justice has ordered Justice Minister Yariv Levin to clarify by Sunday whether he intends to advance senior appointments to the Police Investigation Department (PID) before the October 27 election. The court specifically inquired about the appointments of the department's director, members of the selection committee, and a retired judge for coordinating investigations. This order comes as part of three petitions challenging the restructuring of PID, which a new law passed in June separates from the State Attorney's Office and establishes as an independent Justice Ministry department. The petitioners, including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and the Israel Bar Association, argue that the new structure could lead to political dependence, while supporters contend it enhances independence by removing a conflict of interest. The court emphasized the precedent for restraint in senior public-sector appointments during an election period, with Movement chairman Eliad Shraga stating, "PID must remain an independent body."