The recent arrests of Kobi Ya’acobi, head of prisons, and two high-ranking West Bank police officials, including Commissioner Avishai Mu’allem, have ignited a firestorm of controversy in Israel, exposing deep fissures within the law enforcement apparatus and highlighting the ongoing struggle for control over the police’s role in society. The arrests, executed by Mahash, the internal affairs unit responsible for investigating police misconduct, stem from allegations of leaking confidential information from investigations into Jewish terror groups to the lawyers representing those very terrorists. This act of apparent sabotage, orchestrated under the direction of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a figure reviled by right-wing nationalists, has brought the simmering tension between the government and law enforcement to a boiling point. The timing of the arrests, shortly after a Hamas terror attack in October 2023, further complicates the already volatile political landscape.
The core of the scandal revolves around the alleged manipulation of the police force by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The arrested officers are suspected of leaking classified information at Ben-Gvir’s behest, subsequently receiving promotions as rewards for their loyalty. Ya’acobi, a former assistant to Ben-Gvir, was appointed head of prisons shortly after the Hamas attack, tasked with cracking down on gang violence and jihadist activity. The accusations against these officers paint a picture of a politicized police force, where loyalty to the minister trumps professionalism and adherence to the law. This alleged manipulation of the police for political gain raises profound questions about the integrity of law enforcement and the potential for abuse of power.
The scandal also brings to light the complex interplay between different security agencies in Israel, particularly the relationship between the police and the Shin Bet, also known as Shabak. Shabak, responsible for preventing Jewish terror attacks against Palestinians, reportedly provided the police with intelligence regarding planned attacks. However, according to Shabak, the relevant police units ignored these warnings, a failure for which their commanders were allegedly rewarded by Ben-Gvir. This disregard for intelligence sharing and the subsequent promotion of those responsible suggests a deliberate obstruction of justice, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to preventing violence against Palestinians.
Ben-Gvir’s two-year tenure as National Security Minister has been marked by a dramatic reshaping of the police force, with a wholesale replacement of senior commanders and an emphasis on loyalty over competence as the primary criterion for advancement. This shift in priorities has manifested in increased brutality against civilian protesters and overt support for violent settlers. Ben-Gvir, who was himself rejected by the Israeli Defense Forces due to his past involvement in extremist and violent organizations, has implemented policies that have further militarized Israeli society, including relaxing gun control laws and arming more civilians. These actions have further fueled concerns about his leadership and his vision for the police force.
The current scandal represents a larger battle for the soul of the Israeli police. Ben-Gvir’s actions appear to be transforming the police from an institution dedicated to upholding the law and protecting all citizens into a tool for advancing his own political agenda. This transformation has profound implications for the rule of law, democratic values, and the safety and security of all Israelis, particularly Palestinian citizens who face increased vulnerability to violence from extremist settlers. The arrests of these high-ranking officers represent a critical juncture in this ongoing power struggle, potentially exposing the extent of Ben-Gvir’s influence and the degree to which the police force has been politicized.
The unfolding events surrounding these arrests are likely to have significant repercussions. The investigation by Mahash, coupled with the public outcry, could lead to further arrests and potentially even criminal charges against Ben-Gvir himself. The scandal also has the potential to destabilize the ruling coalition and force a reckoning within the government about the direction of the police force and its role in society. The outcome of this affair will have far-reaching implications for the future of law enforcement, the relationship between the government and security agencies, and the overall political climate in Israel. It remains to be seen whether the pursuit of justice will prevail or whether political expediency will triumph, further eroding public trust in the institutions designed to protect them.
