After the elections, even before the government was formed and as a condition for its formation, the Minister of National Security, Ben-Gvir, insisted that the Police Ordinance be changed to expand the minister's powers over the police. This amendment, which was quickly authorized within two weeks, was the first step marking Ben-Gvir's agenda—turning the police into a tool to promote his policies and political agendas (the Association for Civil Rights in Israel's petition against this amendment is pending).
Since his appointment, Minister Ben-Gvir has frequently intervened in the work of the police, including in numerous circumstances in which politicians are not supposed to interfere in order to ensure that the police act professionally and in accordance with the law. The brief document we prepared examines the methods through which the minister is attempting to assert complete control over Israel's law enforcement and the use of force. It highlights the profound and troubling implications for the rule of law and human rights, which are already becoming apparent on the ground.
For the full document, download below.
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