Israel's Attorney General Tries to Oust Ben Gvir

In a rare and highly charged hearing, Israel’s Supreme Court on Wednesday opened proceedings on petitions seeking the dismissal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The case is being heard before an expanded nine-justice panel, which is examining whether Ben-Gvir can remain in his position amid accusations of improper interference in police operations.

At the heart of the petitions is a detailed position submitted by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. She argues that Ben-Gvir has repeatedly crossed the line between setting policy and interfering in operational police decisions, including involvement in appointments and actions that could undermine the police’s independence and equal enforcement of the law. The Attorney General stresses that the case rests on a consistent pattern of conduct, not a single incident.

Ben-Gvir has pushed back forcefully, defending his actions as part of the mandate he received from voters. Speaking ahead of the hearing, he said: “Gali Baharav-Miara wants to take your voice from you.”

He added: “She says I set policy and change the police --- she’s right,” and declared, “I was elected to govern.”Ben-Gvir framed the legal challenge as an attempt to override the will of right-wing voters.

The hearing quickly took on wider political weight. Coalition allies rallied behind the minister, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin declaring the proceedings “contrary to the law” and warning that any court ruling against Ben-Gvir would have “no validity.”

During the session, justices expressed concern over the broader implications of political involvement in policing, describing it as a potential “danger to democracy.”

The court is now expected to rule on whether it has the authority to compel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove Ben-Gvir from office, a decision that could set major precedents regarding the limits of ministerial power and judicial oversight in Israel.