Ben-Gvir Accuses Attorney General of Undermining Democracy
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused the Attorney General of undermining democracy and rebelling against the government. His comments followed her objection to a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Dani Levy before the Knesset elections. The Attorney General's objection was based on a petition from the "Yashar!" party, but the petition was later dismissed by the Central Elections Committee chairman. Ben-Gvir insisted the meeting was a legal duty to prepare for election day and warned of accountability if issues arise.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Ben-Gvir accused the Attorney General of undermining democracy and rebelling against the government.
- The dispute centers on a planned meeting between PM Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Dani Levy before elections.
- The Attorney General objected to the meeting, but her objection was overruled by the Elections Committee chairman.
- Ben-Gvir stated that such meetings are a legal duty for political leadership to prepare for election day.
- He warned that the government could be held accountable if election day incidents occur due to lack of preparation.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir fiercely criticized the Attorney General on Sunday, accusing her of attempting to undermine democracy and rebel against the government. The sharp remarks came in response to the Attorney General's objection to a planned meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Dani Levy, just two days before the Knesset elections.
Ben-Gvir asserted that the meeting was a legitimate and necessary part of the political leadership's duty to prepare for election day. He argued that such discussions between the Prime Minister, Police Commissioner, and relevant minister are mandated by law. "It is simply inconceivable that the Attorney General is trying to undermine democracy," Ben-Gvir stated, adding, "A conversation or meeting between a prime minister, police commissioner, and minister is the most legitimate thing there is. It is our duty by law."
The Attorney General had previously instructed that the meeting be avoided, following a petition filed by Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party. However, the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, later dismissed the petition against the meeting.
Ben-Gvir's office clarified that summoning the Police Commissioner for a briefing on election preparations is a routine and accepted practice, followed by previous ministers. They emphasized the minister's obligation to review the police's readiness, ask questions, and identify any potential gaps.
Warning of potential repercussions, Ben-Gvir cautioned that if any unusual incident occurs on election day, the political leadership might be held accountable for failing to adequately assess the police's preparedness beforehand. "If, God forbid, something happens on election day, the Attorney General will be the first to demand an investigation and ask why the Prime Minister didn't check and why the minister didn't check," he declared. "We are fulfilling our duty by law, and the Attorney General is a rebel against the government."
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