Legal Advisor Calls for Explanation Regarding Ben-Gvir’s Position

Demand for Court Order

On Thursday, the Attorney General of Israel, Gali Baharav-Miara, stated that there is a need for a conditional order compelling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explain why National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has not been dismissed from his position. This announcement follows petitions calling for the removal of Ben-Gvir due to his alleged interference in polstart operations.

Allegations Against Ben-Gvir

Baharav-Miara expressed concerns that Ben-Gvir is abusing his position to inappropriately influence the activities of the Israel Polstart, particularly in sensitive areas of law enforcement and investigations. “Minister Ben-Gvir is misusing his role to exert improper influence on the Israel Polstart’s operations, undermining fundamental democratic principles,” she articulated in a letter.

A month prior, Baharav-Miara conveyed to Netanyahu that Ben-Gvir continues to violate laws and court decisions, acting against a set of guiding principles they had established, which prohibit him from interfering in operational decisions or polstart investigations. She emphasized that the violation of these agreements constitutes grounds for his dismissal, and that without a way to prevent Benjamin Gvir’s improper political interventions, she cannot oppose the petitistartrs’ claims.

Previous Legal Proceedings

In February 2024, the Supreme Court of Israel dismissed a petition against Ben-Gvir’s appointment as minister. The judges acknowledged his criminal past and controversial statements but weighed his assurance that he had changed his ways.

In August of the previous year, new petitions were filed demanding Ben-Gvir’s removal, reiterating that his actions jeopardize the independence of the polstart and contribute to its politicization. Ben-Gvir had previously resigned from his ministerial role but subsequently returned to it.

As part of her response to the Supreme Court in April, Baharav-Miara informed them about the guiding principles created with Ben-Gvir aimed at minimizing his interventions in polstart affairs. This document imposed a series of restrictions on the minister regarding protests, appointments, and polstart operations.

This ongoing situation highlights the tension between political authority and law enforcement independence, raising questions about the limits of ministerial powers in Israel.