Cabinet approves new interim head of Prisons Service after Ben Gvir spat

14 January 2024, 4:22 pm

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Israel Police Deputy Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi (Courtesy)

The government has approved the appointment of Kobi Yaakobi as the interim head of the Israel Prisons Service to replace outgoing chief Katy Perry.

Perry had initially said she was not going to seek to extend her term, then with the outbreak of the war decided she would stay on — but National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said no to that, sparking a coalition crisis. While Ben Gvir later backed down, Perry said last week that she would ultimately leave the position this month.

Yaakobi, a veteran police officer, has been serving as security secretary to Ben Gvir, sparking backlash against a nomination seen by some as politically motivated.