Levin officially appoints retired judge to head investigation into ex-MAG, amid ongoing court battle

Justice Minister Yariv Levin officially submits his nomination for retired district court judge Yosef Ben-Hamo to head the investigation into the former IDF military advocate general.

Levin announced the appointment earlier this week, following a ruling by the High Court of Justice on Sunday allowing him to make the appointment. Ben-Hamo, who retired in 2020, will head the investigation into ex-military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi’s leak of a surveillance video last year purporting to show the abuse of a Palestinian security detainee by IDF soldiers at the Sde Teiman military facility.

Levin had chosen State Ombudsman for Judges Asher Kula to oversee the investigation, but the court ruled that the pick was invalid since the law explicitly bans the ombudsman from serving in any other position, or carrying out any other function, while in office.

Last night, the court declined a petition to delay Levin’s ability to appoint someone to the role, but said that once he does tap a supervisor for the investigation, the request may be evaluated, and an additional hearing is likely.

Immediately following Levin’s official appointment, the Israel Democracy Guard petitions the court against the nomination, seeking a delay in its implementation.

The court’s ruling stipulated that the supervisor have no political affiliation, be an expert in legal affairs, and have a job closely connected to criminal investigations or prosecutions. However, the High Court ruling also stipulated that the supervisor be a “senior public servant,” which Ben-Hamo is not. Levin claimed that he could not find such an individual suitable for the role.

Jeremy Sharon contributed to this report.