‘Ben Gvir law’ boosting political control of police advances to final Knesset readings

26 December 2022, 2:25 pm

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Otzma Yehudit party chief Itamar Ben Gvir attends a Knesset special committee to discuss his proposed Police Ordinance changes, December 18, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The so-called Ben Gvir law, which will give incoming national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir more power over the Israel Police than previously held by his office, advances out of committee and will now face its second and third Knesset readings before becoming law.

Members of the special committee voted 7-5 in favor of advancing the controversial bill. The final votes are expected today or tomorrow.

The bill will make the police and its leadership subordinate to the national security minister and under the government’s authority, as well as allow Ben Gvir the ability to set police policy, with the exception of making decisions on whether individuals should be charged.