Ben Gvir signs off on round of senior police promotions

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has signed off on a round of promotions in the police’s senior command at the recommendation of police chief Danny Levy, law enforcement announces.

Deputy Commissioner Yair Hetzroni, who until now had been commanding the Central District police forces, is named deputy chief of police, replacing Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled.

Peled, a close associate of Ben Gvir whom the minister once sought to appoint as police commissioner, is leaving his post to helm the Jerusalem District forces.

Jerusalem’s current district commander, Deputy Commissioner Amir Arazani, is taking a year of leave from the force to study. He is known as one of the few senior police officers to have put up any resistance to Ben Gvir’s influence over operational police matters.

Arazani’s departure is said to be the result of pressure by Ben Gvir ahead of the month-long Muslim holy month of Ramadan next year, with the goal of implementing major changes to the status quo on the Temple Mount.

According to a Ynet report published earlier this month, the far-right politician had waged a silent campaign to force Arazani’s resignation over the matter.

The role of Jerusalem District commander is a highly sensitive position that carries much significance for Ben Gvir, who has pushed during his term to anchor a Jewish presence atop the hotly contested Temple Mount site.

Deputy Commissioner Amir Cohen will take the place of Hetzroni as Central District commander. Cohen formerly led the Southern District before he was injured during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack and went on temporary leave from the police force.

Assistant Commissioner Maoz Ben-Shabo will be promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner and placed in charge of crime in the Arab sector, after having served as deputy commander of the Coastal District.