Jerusalem: An Israeli police officer is set to face disciplinary action after referring to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as a ‘convicted criminal,’ media reports said Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the report by Haaretz highlighted that the police concluded in its investigation that describing Ben-Gvir as a ‘convicted criminal’ constituted a ‘political statement,’ despite his criminal record, which includes convictions for 13 offenses. These offenses encompass ‘supporting a terrorist organization.’

Ben-Gvir has been accused of attempting to turn the police into a ‘private militia.’ His criminal record includes convictions for incitement to racism, identifying with a terrorist organization, propaganda for a terrorist organization, participation in an illegal gathering, taking part in a riot, and damage to property.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara previously petitioned the Supreme Court to remove Ben-Gvir from office, citing unlawful political interference in the police and harm to democratic order. The Supreme Court postponed a hearing on the petition to April 15.