Netanyahu Refuses to Dismiss National Security Minister Ben Gvir Amid Police Interference Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted an updated response to the Supreme Court on Wednesday regarding petitions demanding the dismissal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The petitions accuse Ben Gvir of improper interference in police affairs. This follows Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's warning last month to the court that attempts to negotiate with the minister had failed and that he continued to interfere with police work.

In his response, Netanyahu rejected the Attorney General's position and stated he does not intend to fire Ben Gvir. He described the issue as "non-justiciable" and dismissed the allegations of improper interference as minor incidents that the Attorney General was exaggerating. Netanyahu emphasized that Ben Gvir's appointment was lawful and that there is no administrative or judicial basis for his removal.

Netanyahu criticized the Attorney General's evolving legal opinion, accusing her of inflating isolated events into a broader case without solid evidence or relevant details. He claimed the Attorney General's documents included unfounded generalizations suggesting numerous undisclosed incidents, which he called an attempt to distort the factual picture.

Ben Gvir responded by praising Netanyahu's clear stance against what he termed the "criminal Attorney General" and asserted that deep state officials have no authority to remove ministers. He vowed that after the upcoming elections, they would remove the deep state officials instead.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Prime Minister, his National Security Minister, and the Attorney General over the minister's conduct and influence on law enforcement, with the Supreme Court now considering the petitions. The government’s position firmly supports Ben Gvir’s continuation in office despite the Attorney General’s warnings.