Netanyahu Defends Itamar Ben Gvir's Appointment to Supreme Court, Urges Dismissal of Removal Petitions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted his official response to the Supreme Court regarding petitions seeking to remove Itamar Ben Gvir from his position as National Security Minister. Netanyahu asserted that Ben Gvir's appointment was lawful and that there is no valid legal or administrative basis for his dismissal. The response followed a court hearing in April and emphasized that the appointment had already been approved by both the government and the Knesset.

Netanyahu criticized the Attorney General's position, which called for Ben Gvir's judicial removal, arguing that such a move is unprecedented and unjustified, especially during an election period. He warned that a judicial dismissal of a senior minister at this sensitive time would be an extreme and exceptional step. The Prime Minister also rejected claims related to Ben Gvir's relationship with the police, stating that the minister has never questioned police independence and that the Attorney General's attempt to expand restrictions on the minister goes beyond legal limits.

Further, Netanyahu dismissed additional incidents cited by the Attorney General as insufficient grounds for removal, describing them as attempts to exaggerate the factual context. He urged the court to exercise restraint and reject all petitions, emphasizing that judicial intervention in ministerial appointments is a rare and extraordinary remedy that should not be applied here.