Commissioner, Minister and Coalition Crisis: Yesterday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he has decided not to extend the term of IPS Commissioner Kathy Perry. In response, the official camp attacked that this was a "blow to state security" and demanded that the prime minister intervene and verify the existence of the coalition agreement prohibiting the appointment of senior officials during the campaign. A review of the legal situation makes it clear that the issue is indeed before the prime minister and the government.
Thus, although the minister's recommendation for an initial appointment is indeed required, it is now only a term extension – something that is within the authority of the government, which is also entitled to make a decision contrary to the minister's recommendation. In fact, because of this fact, every other decision by the minister depends on government approval.
Earlier this week, Israel Hayom reported that Minister Ben-Gvir believes that he is not bound by the coalition agreements between the Likud and the state camp, and that he intends to announce the fate of the appointments in the police and the IPS within the next two weeks.
Those close to Gantz made it clear that Ben-Gvir's violation of the agreement could lead to the withdrawal of the state camp. Today, the Minister of National Security also attacked the commissioner with harsh words: "The prison guards deserve a more worthy commissioner who will protect their bodies and dignity. Terrorists deserve harsh treatment and not indulgences for murdering Jews."
Already yesterday, the state camp attacked the decision: "Replacing senior officials in general, and heads of security organizations in particular, at this time harms the functioning of the state in times of war and is incorrect. We expect the prime minister to prevent this harm to national security and not to allow decisions based on political considerations in conducting the campaign."
Even among Netanyahu's close partners, voices have already begun to be heard against the minister's conduct, which, as noted, could lead to the dissolution of the emergency government at a time when Israel is at war on several fronts. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri spoke out against Ben-Gvir today, saying that it "may dismantle the government and harm the war effort," as he put it. He said "agreements must be respected," referring to the coalition agreement between Gantz and Netanyahu.
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