Israeli Supreme Court Orders Netanyahu to Justify Delay in Appointing Acting Prime Minister's Office Director

The Israeli Supreme Court issued a conditional order requiring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explain why he has not appointed a replacement acting director for the Prime Minister's Office. This follows the end of Drorit Steinmetz's temporary tenure, who has since returned to her previous role as deputy director. The order arose from a petition by the Movement for Integrity, which demanded Steinmetz's removal from the acting director position and suspension from public service.

The court's order does not mandate an immediate appointment but compels Netanyahu and the government to justify why the position remains unfilled. The State Attorney's Office previously stated that Steinmetz's acting tenure could not be extended, and Netanyahu's request to appoint her permanently was also denied. This stance is linked to an ongoing criminal investigation into Steinmetz on suspicions of fraud, breach of trust, and aggravated fraud related to a case involving Minister May Golan. No indictment decision has been made yet.

Steinmetz, known to be close to Netanyahu and his wife, currently serves as deputy director and remains the highest-ranking official in the Prime Minister's Office in the absence of a permanent or acting director. The prosecution recommended suspending her, but the disciplinary division of the Civil Service Commission has not approved this recommendation so far. Following last week's hearing on the petition, the judges ruled that Netanyahu must provide reasons for not appointing another acting director.