On Monday, the Israeli government unanimously voted to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara in a controversial decision led by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. The move marks an escalation in the ongoing tensions between the government and Baharav-Miara, who has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies.
Within hours of the vote, the Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily blocking her dismissal, indicating a legal showdown between the judiciary and the executive.
Clashes Over Authority Fuel Political Motives Behind Attorney General’s Targeted Dismissal Effort
Attorney General Baharav-Miara has frequently criticized the Netanyahu administration, particularly its judicial reforms and decisions during wartime. In response, Netanyahu and his allies have accused her of misusing her authority to obstruct government initiatives and undermine the rule of law. This adversarial relationship has made her a target for right-wing politicians, who have long called for her removal.
Critics of the dismissal argue that it is politically motivated. Baharav-Miara oversees Israel’s prosecution service and is responsible for the ongoing criminal case against Prime Minister Netanyahu. Her role in that case is viewed by some as a key reason behind the government’s push to remove her, raising serious concerns about political interference in the judicial system.
Government Redefines Attorney General’s Role, Bypassing Oversight and Fueling Judicial Crisis
Traditionally, an Israeli attorney general can only be removed after consultation with an independent committee. However, in June, the Netanyahu government passed a resolution allowing itself to dismiss the attorney general without committee approval. This change cleared the way for Monday’s vote and sparked immediate legal opposition, with several petitions filed to block the move.
The attorney general in Israel holds a unique and powerful dual role as both the government’s legal adviser and a guardian of public interest. The position is intended to remain independent of political influence, but recent government actions suggest a push to redefine it along more partisan lines.
This attempt is part of a broader judicial overhaul that has already triggered significant public and legal backlash, raising alarms over the future of Israel’s democratic institutions.
