Israel’s Attorney General Urges High Court to Force Netanyahu to Explain Why He Hasn’t Fired Ben-Gvir
Israel’s attorney general and government legal adviser Gali Baharav-Miara has asked the High Court of Justice to issue a show-cause order requiring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explain why he has not dismissed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing the minister of abusing his office and illegally interfering in police activity, according to Israeli media reports. The Times of Israel+2Haaretz+2
The request comes in response to petitions seeking Ben-Gvir’s removal, amid longstanding legal disputes over the minister’s relationship with the Israel Police and the limits of political involvement in law enforcement. The Times of Israel+2ynetglobal+2
Allegations: “Improper influence” over sensitive policing matters
In court filings cited by Israeli outlets, Baharav-Miara argued that Ben-Gvir has repeatedly tried to exert improper influence over police operations, including issues tied to law enforcement and criminal investigations, warning that such conduct undermines core democratic principles and the police’s nonpartisan, professional character. The Times of Israel+2Haaretz+2
She also warned that the conduct is not isolated and could cause long-term institutional harm if allowed to continue, urging judicial intervention as the first step toward compelling Netanyahu to act. Haaretz+1
Ben-Gvir fires back with a personal attack
Ben-Gvir responded angrily on social media, calling the attorney general a “criminal” and rejecting her authority in blunt terms, Israeli reports said. חרדים10+1
Background: A broader battle over policing independence
The attorney general and Ben-Gvir have clashed repeatedly, including accusations that the minister has behaved like a de facto “super police commissioner,” in violation of legal limits and past court rulings aimed at protecting police independence from political pressure. ynetglobal+1
Earlier reporting also cited disputes over promotions, protest policing, and alleged interference in investigations—flashpoints that have fueled petitions demanding Ben-Gvir’s dismissal. The Times of Israel+2The Times of Israel+2
What happens next
A show-cause order would typically be the court’s initial step before it could consider directing Netanyahu to dismiss the minister. The High Court could ask the government to submit a detailed legal justification for keeping Ben-Gvir in office despite the attorney general’s position. Haaretz+1
This is a developing story. Updates may follow as filings are reviewed and the court sets timelines.