Israel’s political tensions rose sharply on Wednesday after
the High Court of Justice ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explain
why he has not removed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from his
post. The court issued the directive after receiving no direct response from
Netanyahu, who is the official responsible for the appointment.
The case centers on accusations that Ben-Gvir repeatedly
crossed legal boundaries by pressuring police and interfering in operational
decisions. These claims were outlined in an opinion by Attorney General Gali
Baharav-Miara, who said the minister had created a “continuous system of
pressure” on police officers.
The court expanded the panel hearing the case to nine
justices, a rare step that signals the seriousness of the matter. The hearing
is set for March 24. The judges include Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and
Deputy President Noam Sohlberg.
According to the petitions filed, Ben-Gvir violated
agreements that defined the limits of his involvement in police matters,
including decisions on protests, promotions, and sensitive operations. These
limits exist to prevent political influence over law enforcement.
The state now has until February 24 to file its full
response. Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir must submit personal affidavits by March 10.
Ben-Gvir responded with sharp criticism, claiming the court
has “no authority” and accusing the justices of trying to overturn the will of
the voters. Justice Minister Yariv Levin echoed this view, warning that the
court was behaving like an unelected governing body and pushing the country
toward a constitutional crisis.
Opposition lawmakers and protest groups welcomed the court’s
action. MK Gilad Kariv said the justices were right to force Netanyahu to
address the issue, arguing that Ben-Gvir’s behavior undermines the independence
of the police.
The protest movement Ima Era, one of the petitioners, said
keeping Ben-Gvir in office endangers the country. The group stated that every
day he remains in his position “puts us all in danger.”
Former Supreme Court president Dorit Beinisch issued a stark
warning, saying the statements attacking the court amount to “wild incitement”
and could push Israel toward dictatorship. She accused Ben-Gvir and Levin of
trying to dismantle long-standing democratic institutions.
Attorney General Baharav-Miara’s detailed report accused
Ben-Gvir of intervening in police work on issues ranging from protest
management to appointments. She said this behavior violated the commitments he
made when he took office in 2022.
Ben-Gvir denied the accusations. His lawyer argued that the
attorney general had not provided a single example of illegal interference.
The political stakes are high. Netanyahu’s coalition relies
on Ben-Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party. Several coalition leaders have
already urged Netanyahu to resist any High Court ruling that demands the
minister’s dismissal.
The coming weeks will determine whether this dispute remains
a legal battle or grows into a wider political crisis. If the High Court rules
against Netanyahu, the prime minister could be forced into a choice that may
upset his coalition.
The High Court’s order marks one of the most serious confrontations between Israel’s judiciary and government in recent years. The decision now lies with Netanyahu, who must justify keeping Ben-Gvir in a role that critics say threatens the independence of the police.
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