Israel's National Security Minister Defies Attorney General on Negev Demolitions
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir informed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara that he will continue participating in illegal structure demolitions in the Negev, defying her directive. Ben-Gvir called her instruction "illegal and lacking authority" and asserted his right to supervise ministry activities. He stated his presence is for oversight and support, not operational involvement. Over 19,000 illegal structures have been demolished under his watch.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will continue participating in illegal structure demolitions in the Negev.
- Ben-Gvir defied a directive from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to cease his involvement.
- The minister called the Attorney General's instruction "illegal and lacking authority."
- Ben-Gvir stated his presence is for oversight and support, not operational action.
- Over 19,000 illegal structures have been demolished in the Negev during his tenure.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a sharp letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Thursday, stating he will continue to actively participate in enforcement and demolition activities against illegal structures in the Negev. Ben-Gvir declared the Attorney General's directive to refrain from such involvement as "illegal and lacking authority." He argued in his letter that there is no legal impediment for a minister to supervise, visit, and participate in events under his ministry, similar to his predecessors.
The minister clarified that his presence on the ground does not involve operational actions or replacing executing forces, but rather allows the political echelon to monitor policy implementation and support enforcement units. Ben-Gvir sharply criticized the Attorney General, stating, "After for years you and your predecessors allowed lawlessness and forgot that there is a concept called 'law enforcement' also in the Negev, it would have been better if you would bless every demolition carried out on my watch." He also noted that over 19,000 illegal structures have been demolished in the Negev during his tenure and pledged to continue leading the "governability" reform and reclaiming state lands.
