Itamar Ben Gvir Rejects Attorney General's Authority During Caretaker Government Period

Itamar Ben Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party and Israel's National Security Minister, sharply criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara following her letter to government ministers. In her letter, Baharav-Miara instructed ministers to exercise restraint during the caretaker government period, avoiding decisions beyond routine management without proper legal review. She emphasized that in cases of doubt, ministers should consult their ministry's legal advisors in advance.

Ben Gvir responded defiantly, stating that he does not recognize the caretaker government period as starting from the government's swearing-in day, as the Attorney General claims. He wrote, "Gali, from your perspective the caretaker government began on the day the government was sworn in. I did not count you then, and I do not count you now." He added that although his initial calls to dismiss her were ignored, firing her will be his top priority in the next government term. "Start packing. The big change is coming," he declared.

This exchange intensifies the ongoing conflict between Ben Gvir and Baharav-Miara, highlighting tensions over the scope of authority during the caretaker government and the strict legal oversight imposed on its actions. The Attorney General's directive follows the Knesset's dissolution and aims to limit government decisions to routine matters until a new government is formed.