Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan made the right decision in appointing an outsider to head up the national police force after realizing the extent of the disease and rot in the organization. His decision to look for a candidate among the ranks of the military was also correct, given the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) healthier organizational culture. Erdan, one of the smartest and most talented members of the government, displayed independent, out-of-the-box creative thinking and good intentions. Nevertheless, he chose the wrong man for the job.
In the days since the Aug. 24 naming of Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch as the next police commissioner, more and more questions have arisen regarding his suitability and competence for the position at such a complex juncture for the police force.