Supreme Court Backs Minister Barakat in Dispute Over Senior Official Firings

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat, rejecting the position of the Attorney General. The court determined that the Civil Service Commissioner does not have the authority to unilaterally reject a minister's request to dismiss senior officials.

The ruling came after a prolonged dispute initiated by Minister Barkat, who sought to remove the head of the Antitrust Authority, citing alleged failures in her role, particularly concerning cost of living and combating monopolies. Minister Barkat personally attended the dramatic Supreme Court hearing to assert his authority against bureaucratic obstacles and ensure he could implement his elected mandate.

A five-judge panel unanimously dismissed the Attorney General's stance, stating that the authority to review a minister's dismissal request lies with the Appointments Committee, not solely with the Commissioner. Justice Noam Sohlberg, the Deputy President of the Supreme Court, sharply criticized the legal advice that presented a flawed legal picture, preventing Minister Barkat from acting for nearly three years. He emphasized in his ruling that "justice delayed is justice denied."

Minister Barkat stated that the Attorney General had prevented him from dismissing the "failed" head of the Antitrust Authority for almost three years. He hailed the unanimous Supreme Court decision as a "dramatic victory" proving that the civil service is not above elected officials, who can and should dismiss public servants failing to perform their duties and hindering public policy. Barkat vowed to continue fighting the "deep state" and to apply private sector standards to civil service, returning power to the public.

The article also notes that Justice Sohlberg attacked the Attorney General, while Justice Yitzhak Amit defended her. Hani Edri is also mentioned in relation to the topic.