Netanyahu Defends Itamar Ben Gvir's Appointment to Supreme Court Against Dismissal Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted an updated position to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asserting that the appointment of Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister was lawful and that there is no legal basis for his administrative or judicial dismissal. This submission followed a statement from the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who indicated that negotiations between the parties had reached an impasse and suggested judicial intervention might be warranted to remove the minister.

Netanyahu criticized the Attorney General's update as surprising and made without prior government consultation, describing it as part of a flawed process. After reviewing the matter and receiving detailed explanations from Ben Gvir regarding the incidents cited in the petitions, Netanyahu maintained his fundamental stance that the minister's appointment is entirely proper.

Responding to allegations that Ben Gvir undermined police independence, Netanyahu cited the minister's own words affirming his respect for police autonomy and the rule of law, emphasizing that the Israel Police must operate under legal authority without political influence. Netanyahu also questioned the timing of the dismissal request, highlighting that the Attorney General herself had previously urged restraint in exercising powers during the sensitive election period in a letter dated July 17, 2026.