JERUSALEM (JTA) — The deputy director of the Shin Bet security service was approved as head of the Israel Police.
On Sunday, Israel’s Cabinet unanimously backed the appointment of Ronen Alsheich, 52, as inspector general. His name had been under censorship rules since his nomination last month due to his position with the Shin Bet.
Alsheich, who was nominated by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, is scheduled to take over on Nov. 11.
“Roni is a professional who has advanced many reforms in the field of security, and I am sure that his professional capabilities, together with the values he brings along with him, will allow him to march the Israel Police forward and manage all the challenges facing it,” Erdan said.
The appointment came at the end of a protracted debate in the media and elsewhere about the suitability of Erdan’s first pick, Gal Hirsch.
Several bereaved parents protested the appointment of Hirsch, whom Erdan said in August is best equipped to rehabilitate the Israel Police after a string of scandals involving corruption, sexual harassment and alleged racism.
Opponents cited perceived failures in Hirsch’s performance as brigadier general during the 2006 war in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
