Israeli Minister Defies Attorney General on Negev Demolitions
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir will continue to attend illegal structure demolitions in the Negev, defying a directive from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Ben-Gvir stated the order is unlawful and that his presence is to supervise policy implementation and support enforcement. He claimed over 19,000 illegal structures have been demolished during his term, despite the Attorney General's opposition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will continue attending Negev demolitions, defying Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's order.
- Ben-Gvir called the Attorney General's directive unlawful and lacking authority.
- He stated his presence is to supervise policy and support enforcement officials.
- Ben-Gvir accused the Attorney General of enabling years of neglect in the Negev.
- He claimed over 19,000 illegal structures were demolished under his tenure.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has informed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara that he intends to continue attending illegal structure demolitions in the Negev, directly challenging her directive for him to abstain from such activities. Ben-Gvir asserted in a sharp letter that the Attorney General's instruction is unlawful and lacks authority, emphasizing his right as a minister to oversee operations under his ministry.
Ben-Gvir argued that his presence at demolition sites is not to replace enforcement officials but to supervise the implementation of his policy and to support the police and state employees carrying out the demolitions. He stated, "There is no impediment for a minister to supervise, visit, and participate in events managed under his ministry... rather, it is even desirable."
He further accused the Attorney General and her predecessors of enabling years of neglect and a lack of law enforcement in the Negev. "It would have been better if you would bless every demolition that is carried out under my watch," Ben-Gvir wrote, contrasting this with the perceived inaction of previous administrations.
Concluding his letter, Ben-Gvir presented figures indicating a significant increase in demolition activities during his tenure, despite what he described as the Attorney General's attempts to thwart them. He claimed that over 19,000 illegal structures have been demolished in the Negev under his leadership.
