Israeli Supreme Court Orders Netanyahu to Justify Retaining Acting PMO Director Suspected of Criminal Charges

The Israeli Supreme Court issued a conditional order on Sunday in response to a petition by the Movement for Integrity in Public Service demanding the removal of Drorit Steinmetz, the acting Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, who faces criminal suspicions. Steinmetz, considered close to Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu, assumed the role in early 2025 after Yossi Sheli was appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

The petition cites allegations against Steinmetz involving fraud, breach of trust, and aggravated fraud related to a case involving Minister May Golan. Following the petition, the State Attorney's Office announced that Steinmetz's acting tenure could no longer be extended. However, with no permanent Director General appointed and the Civil Service Commission refusing to suspend her despite prosecution recommendations, Steinmetz remains the highest-ranking official in the Prime Minister's Office.

The Supreme Court has ordered Prime Minister Netanyahu to explain why he has not appointed a different acting Director General. This judicial intervention highlights ongoing concerns about governance and legal accountability within the Prime Minister's Office amid serious criminal allegations against a senior official.