Good governance group appeals to High Court over police chief’s tenure

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel files an appeal with the High Court of Justice over Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan’s decision not to extend the tenure of Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich for a fourth year.

The group says any decision by the government on a new police commissioner presents conflict of interest concerns in light of ongoing criminal investigations involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The situation in which the prime minister himself is under investigation naturally places all members of the government in a position in which in any decision they make regarding the identity of a new police commissioner will be tainted by concerns of a conflict of interest and won’t receive the trust of the public,” the group says in a statement.

Erdan last month announced he would not keep Alsheich on the job for a customary fourth year. The police chief has been at loggerheads with Netanyahu over the corruption probes, two of which police have recommended the premier be charged over.