A new legal dispute is casting a shadow over the relationship between the political echelon and police leadership: Superintendent Itzik Alfasi, former spokesperson for the Investigations and Intelligence Division, has filed an administrative petition against Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. The petition, submitted through attorneys Dov Gilead Cohen and Amir Bartal, focuses on the claim that the Minister is blocking Alfasi's appointment as spokesperson for the Investigations and Intelligence Division and Lahav 433, despite recommendations from professional staff and the decision of the police senior command forum.
Alfasi, who successfully completed the Command and Staff Course, was expected to return to his position according to organizational procedures but remains without a permanent role. The petition argues that the delay occurred without a reasoned decision or proper administrative process. According to the petitioner, the accumulation of circumstances raises significant concerns that the Minister's decision was made based on extraneous considerations, exceeding authority and harming the independence of police work.
The petition notes that Alfasi is left without an actual role, which prevents him from gaining command experience and impairs his professional development. Police sources cited in the report claim that Alfasi has become a "hostage" in the ongoing struggle between the Minister of National Security and the head of the Investigations Division, Boaz Blat. Attempts to resolve the issue with the Minister's office have failed, leading to the current petition.
In pre-litigation proceedings, it was argued that the delay stems from the Minister's perception that the officer does not "align" with his political views. The petitioner stated that during the Command and Staff Course, the Minister held a conversation with spokespeople in which he clarified that they must avoid expressing political opinions, adding that he was aware of discussions held behind closed doors. The publication claims there is a sentiment among the petitioner and his associates that the non-appointment is a direct result of views expressed by Alfasi during professional discussions throughout his studies, which do not align with the Minister's views.
This petition raises fundamental questions regarding the boundaries of political involvement in professional appointments within the police organization. As of now, Alfasi's claims remain legal allegations that have yet to be adjudicated by the court, reflecting the complex tension between the need for merit-based appointments and the powers of the supervising Minister.