Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has approved the closure of criminal investigations into four staff members from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's office, ending a probe into the emergency gun licensing system without filing indictments, according to law enforcement officials.
The investigation, launched in November 2024, examined whether office staff participated in firearm licensing procedures without proper legal authorization. The emergency framework, established after the October 7 attacks, resulted in approximately 23,000 conditional approvals and around 15,000 final licenses issued to civilians.
Among those cleared is Ben-Gvir's former legislative adviser, who personally approved over 700 gun licenses. Three staff members were questioned under caution on suspicion of fraud and breach of trust; a fourth provided open testimony.
In April 2025, police referred the matter to the State Attorney's office, determining that while administrative irregularities were found, they did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. The Attorney General has now formally approved closure.
The former adviser has responded sharply to the decision, claiming law enforcement authorities attempted to use the investigation as leverage to block his candidacy for legal counsel to the Israel Police—a senior position within the country's largest law enforcement agency. He alleged the Attorney General's office tried to "hold him by the throat" to prevent his advancement.
He views the case's closure as vindication and says it clears the path for his return to prominent positions. "The investigation has been completely closed without any indictments," he said.
The confrontation marks the opening of a battle over control of the legal counsel position, which will largely determine the balance of power within Israel Police.
