Israeli Attorney General Reports Deadlock with Minister Ben Gvir Over Police Independence

On July 20, 2026, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara informed the Supreme Court that efforts to reach an agreement with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on preventing political interference in police work have failed. Baharav-Miara stated that Ben Gvir continues to blatantly violate an interim court order and the agreed-upon principles framework, describing the situation as "procedures on paper and a different reality in practice." She called for judicial intervention to protect police independence and human rights, emphasizing that the minister's conduct continues to undermine these values.

The Attorney General's legal opinion to the Supreme Court highlights significant unresolved gaps and ongoing harmful behavior by the minister. She urged the court to act against Ben Gvir to uphold the rule of law and safeguard institutional autonomy. In response, Ben Gvir dismissed her claims, accusing her of attempting to undermine right-wing governance and asserting his intention to continue his work with determination.

This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing dispute over the boundaries of political influence on Israel's police force, with the judiciary now being asked to intervene to resolve the impasse and ensure adherence to legal standards.