Maj.-Gen. Danino
Maj.-Gen. DaninoFlash 90

Minister of Public Security Yitzchak Aharonovich announced Sunday that his pick for the next Commissioner of Police is Major-General Yochanan Danino, currently Commander of the Southern District.

Danino, 51, studied at the Bnei Akiva Or Etzion High School Yeshiva from 1974 to 1978. The head of the Bnei Akiva yeshivas, Rabbi Chaim Druckman, called Danino Sunday to congratulate him. Danino said he was excited to receive the rabbi's blessing and lavished compliments on the religious-Zionist youth, and its contribution to Israeli society.

As Head of the Police's International Investigations Department in 2003-2004, Danino was in charge of the investigation against then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in the so-called "Greek island affair." He recommended that the state avoid pressing charges against Sharon and his son Gilad. This decision prompted accusations that he was colluding with the State Attorney's Office, which supported the "Disengagement" from Gaza and wanted Sharon to remain in office in order to carry it out.

Aharonovich praised outgoing commissioner Lt.-Gen. David Cohen Sunday, calling him one of the best commanders  the Israeli police force has known.

Danino is a veteran officer with rich and varied operational experience, and proven leadership qualities, Aharonovich said. "The incoming commissioner will have to continue advancing a set of ongoing processes, including an all-out war against violence and crime, improving police officers' work conditions and pay, and a comprehensive plan for efficient reorganization of the force for emergency readiness," he added.

By choosing a commissioner from within the police's ranks, the minister said, he was expressing complete confidence in the currently serving police high command.

Danino supervised the investigations against former President Moshe Katzav, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and former ministers Chaim Ramon and Avraham Hirschson. He is married, a father of four and resides in Maccabim-Reut.