Tensions Rise Over Attorney General's Call for Ben-Gvir's Dismissal

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has urged the High Court of Justice to issue an order requiring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This request follows allegations that Ben-Gvir has been abusing his authority and improperly influencing police operations, which Baharav-Miara argues undermines Israel's democratic foundations and the independence of law enforcement. The High Court is set to hear the case on March 24, 2026.

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The conflict escalated after Baharav-Miara submitted an 83-page response to petitions regarding Ben-Gvir's conduct, asserting that unless Netanyahu provides a compelling reason for not dismissing him, the court should compel action. The attorney general previously indicated that Ben-Gvir's actions could severely undermine the governmental foundations entrusted to him. In January, the High Court had already issued a conditional order requiring Netanyahu to explain his inaction regarding Ben-Gvir's position.

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Netanyahu has publicly supported Ben-Gvir, stating that he will remain in his role despite the attorney general's request. The Prime Minister's Office criticized Baharav-Miara's actions as "inconceivable" during a time of war with Iran, claiming that her request undermines democracy and the separation of powers. Justice Minister Yariv Levin labeled the attorney general's actions as unlawful, arguing that no judicial authority should replace the Knesset or the prime minister in determining ministerial appointments.

The Jerusalem PostYnetNews

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana echoed these sentiments, condemning Baharav-Miara's timing and suggesting that her actions represent a threat to democracy. Conversely, opposition lawmakers have rallied behind the attorney general, with some calling for Ben-Gvir's immediate dismissal. Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, described Ben-Gvir as a "convicted criminal" and a "dangerous pyromaniac" who poses a risk to Israeli democracy and public safety.

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Baharav-Miara's allegations against Ben-Gvir include claims of systematic interference in police operations and exceeding his authority. She highlighted a lack of safeguards to ensure the police's impartial functioning, particularly in light of Netanyahu's failure to act. In a previous agreement, Ben-Gvir had been barred from intervening in police matters related to protests and operational activities, indicating ongoing tensions between his office and the attorney general.

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The situation remains contentious, with the High Court's upcoming hearing poised to address the legality of Ben-Gvir's continued tenure. The government has expressed intentions to challenge the court's authority, emphasizing the need for unity during wartime. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the balance of power between Israel's executive and judicial branches, as well as the future of internal security governance.

YnetNews

• “It is inconceivable that in the midst of an existential war against Iran, led by [US President Donald] Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, the attorney general is asking the High Court of Justice to issue an absolute order instructing the prime minister to dismiss the minister of national security, who is responsible for internal security during wartime,” — Prime Minister's Office

The Jerusalem Post

• “At a time when the State of Israel is engaged in one of the most fateful and important wars in its history, a dismissed criminal official is trying to carry out a governmental coup in a democratic state and remove an elected official,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir

YnetNews

• “Justice Minister Yariv Levin responded that “The dismissed attorney general has not stopped for a moment from undermining the work of the government, even during wartime.” — Justice Minister Yariv Levin

The Jerusalem Post

• “Ben-Gvir’s takeover of the police is a tangible danger both to Israeli democracy and to the personal security of Israel’s citizens, and his tenure must be ended immediately.” — MK Gilad Kariv

The Jerusalem Post

This ongoing legal and political conflict highlights the complexities of governance in Israel, particularly in times of crisis, and raises questions about the limits of ministerial authority and judicial oversight.

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