Netanyahu Defends Itamar Ben-Gvir's Appointment, Opposes Supreme Court Dismissal Order

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government submitted a response to the Supreme Court on Wednesday opposing the Attorney General's request to remove National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from office. Netanyahu reaffirmed his position that Ben-Gvir's appointment was lawful and that there is no administrative or judicial basis for his dismissal. The government argued that the Attorney General sought the court's intervention without exhausting dialogue with the respondents and that disagreements over work procedures do not justify invalidating a serving minister's tenure.

The submission emphasized that Netanyahu stands by his fundamental view that judicial interference in his ministerial appointments is unwarranted, especially since Ben-Gvir's appointment was approved by both the cabinet and the Knesset. The government also rejected claims that Ben-Gvir disrespects police independence, noting the minister explicitly supports the police operating free from political considerations. It further argued that isolated incidents cited against Ben-Gvir do not constitute grounds for dismissal and that the petition is not the proper forum to review every ministerial administrative decision.

The government highlighted that some issues raised by the Attorney General have already been resolved or are under separate legal review. It also called for judicial restraint given the sensitive election period, referencing past Supreme Court rulings advising caution in politically charged times. Netanyahu and the government requested the court to reject the petitions against Ben-Gvir and maintain his appointment.

This response follows last month's update from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who reported failed attempts to reach an agreed framework with Ben-Gvir amid concerns over his interference in police affairs and politicization efforts. Ben-Gvir dismissed these claims, accusing the Attorney General of trying to undermine the right-wing government and vowed to continue his work. After Netanyahu's submission, Ben-Gvir praised the prime minister's clear response and condemned the Attorney General's office, promising to remove them after the elections.