The Israeli Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an order requiring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to clarify the reasons for not dismissing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is accused of undermining the independence of the police.
اضافة اعلان
The court’s decision came while considering petitions calling for Ben-Gvir’s removal. He has held his position since December 2022, and the petitions claim he has "systematically undermined the independence of the police, turning it from a law enforcement body into a political police force," according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Haaretz reported: "The Supreme Court issued an order requiring the Prime Minister to clarify the reasons for not dismissing the National Security Minister." The report added that this order is the first necessary step before the court could issue a directive for Netanyahu to remove Ben-Gvir.
In response, the official Israeli broadcaster cited Ben-Gvir telling the court: "You have no authority."
Earlier in January, government legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara requested the Supreme Court to compel Netanyahu to dismiss Ben-Gvir for "abusing his position." She argued that Ben-Gvir "illegally exploits his role to influence police activity, particularly in sensitive law enforcement and investigation matters." Baharav-Miara urged the court to "issue an order obliging Netanyahu to explain why he has not dismissed the National Security Minister."
In December, the government described petitions submitted by Israeli opposition organizations, including the Movement for Quality Government, calling for Ben-Gvir’s dismissal, as "an illegal attempt to remove a minister over his political speech and positions."
Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, remains one of the most controversial ministers in the Israeli government and continues to face widespread criticism.
– Anadolu Agency
