Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy claimed the decision ‘may sow fear among investigators who testify in criminal investigations’
November 13, 2025 17:26
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has come under fire from police leadership amid a row over promotions.
In legal filings published on Tuesday, Superintendent Rinat Saban accused the minister of blocking her promotion following her involvement in Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial.
Saban testified in her role as assistant head of the investigations and intelligence department and, in her statement, suggested that Netanyahu’s conduct during his time as Communications Minister was irregular.
"I know as a citizen that a public servant cannot accept something and give something in return; it seemed quite striking,” she told the court.
Her claim against Ben-Gvir was backed by Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, who claimed the decision "may sow fear among investigators who testify in criminal investigations".
Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has had several public political rows with the government more widely and Ben-Gvir in particular, said the move "raises serious concerns" and alleged that it "derives from outside political considerations".
Ben-Gvir has not publicly responded to the filing, but it was reported in July that he had circulated a letter opposing her promotion.
The letter is understood to have claimed that Saban did not have the proper qualifications for her new role and struggled with "memory issues".
But a police spokesperson said that Saban's case was "thoroughly examined by the Chief Commissioner and a panel of senior police officers… who decided that she is worthy of attending the police command and staff course and [receiving a] promotion".
It comes after US President Trump wrote to his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, to request a pardon for Netanyahu, calling the case against him “political, unjustified prosecution”.
"I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister," the letter read.
"Isaac, we have established a great relationship, one that I am very thankful for and honoured by...it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all."
In response, Herzog emphasised his "great respect" for Trump, but his spokesperson added: "As the president has made clear on multiple occasions, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures."
Under these procedures, Netanyahu (or an immediate family member) must personally request the pardon, accept his guilt and express remorse for his alleged actions.
The JC has contacted Ben-Gvir for comment.
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