In the shadow of the war, a battle for police commissioners between National Camp Chairman Benny Gantz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. While Gantz insists on his demand to uphold the agreement between him and the Likud, according to which the process of appointing police and IPS chiefs will not be stopped by war, Ben-Gvir's office understands that there is no choice but to extend the terms of the police commissioner and the IPS commissioner.
Press conference Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Police Commissioner (Archive) \\ Photo: Yoni Rikner
Several options have recently been considered, including extending their terms for a fixed emergency period while announcing the candidates to replace them. Ben-Gvir recently clarified that he would make his decision within two weeks, but that is close to January 17, the date on which Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai completes his three-year term. However, due to the war in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of the unity government, it was agreed between the chairman of the state camp and Prime Minister Netanyahu that the appointments of three – the governor of the Bank of Israel, the police commissioner and the IPS commissioner – would not be stopped.
Ben-Gvir, those close to him say, found himself in a complex situation. While he does not hide his dissatisfaction with Benny Gantz's performance in the war cabinet, he depends on him for whatever he decides on who will be the next police commissioner.
Ben-Gvir does not hide his dissatisfaction with Gantz's performance. Benny Gantz,
Israel Hayom has learned that Ben-Gvir's circle recently discussed the possibility of extending Shabtai's term for a limited time, while at the same time bringing the candidate to replace him for government approval.
Police sources say Shabtai has already made it clear: Either his term will be extended by a year or he is going home. In contrast, IPS Commissioner Kathy Perry sent a letter to the minister last week making it clear she would be willing to remain in her position if necessary.
"The plotter is complicated, but this time it's more political," says a National Security Ministry official. But Ben-Gvir knows that time and the situation are working against him. Extending Shabtai's term by a year may lead to the withdrawal of some of those who see themselves as candidates and the entry into the race of other extras, such as Southern District Commander Amir Cohen.
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