A-G Baharav-Miara warns Netanyahu about potential ousting of Ben-Gvir due to police interference

The Attorney-General has raised concerns that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's ongoing involvement in police affairs undermines the independence of the Israel Police. Gali Baharav-Miara cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Ben-Gvirs political interventions in law enforcement could jeopardize this core principle, potentially leading to his removal from office.

In a letter sent to Netanyahu on Tuesday, Baharav-Miara reminded him that in April 2025, a document outlining principles for the interaction between the national security minister and the Israel Police was submitted to the court after consultations with both Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir. This document, created with Ben-Gvirs approval, included safeguards designed to minimize risks to police operations and uphold the rule of law. The principles were immediately implemented, and an interministerial team was formed to formalize them, completing its work recently. However, Baharav-Miara noted that the national security ministry has not yet responded to the finalized regulations.

Despite these agreements, the Attorney-General asserts that Ben-Gvir continues to violate the established framework. She cited his publication of a protest policy and interference in police investigations involving officers, civilians, and public officials, which she claims frequently breaches High Court directives. According to Baharav-Miara, these actions serve political interests and send law enforcement clear signals regarding preferred outcomes, creating a disconnect between legal principles and practical reality.

Ben-Gvir has publicly supported senior officers under investigation. For instance, he defended Cmdr. Avishai Moalem, claiming he was wrongly targeted by the Shin Bet and expressing confidence in his promotion. He also backed Deputy Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi following an indictment, stating that Yaakobi would continue his duties without favoritism despite the Attorney-Generals objections.

Additionally, Baharav-Miara accused Ben-Gvir of improperly influencing police appointments. She cited Chief Inspector Rinat Sabans case, where her promotion was initially approved but later blocked by Ben-Gvir, allegedly due to her testimony in Netanyahu-related cases. The Attorney-General labeled this a legal violation that undermines police morale, particularly among those handling politically sensitive matters. Further details are expected to be included in the states court response, given the direct connection to Netanyahu.

Ben-Gvirs actions, Baharav-Miara argued, resemble those of a super commissioner, as he engages in field operations, interacts directly with civilians during police activity, and issues political messages that blur the line between enforcement and politics. This creates an inappropriate link between police authority and political objectives.

The Attorney-General warned that the evidence on which the High Court approved Ben-Gvirs ministerial role has significantly changed, undermining the legal basis of that decision. She concluded that the repeated failures to enforce safeguards make it impossible to protect police independence from ongoing political interference. As a result, she stated that current legal petitions, including requests for conditional orders, are supported by substantial legal and factual grounds due to the serious threat to democratic policing principles.

Baharav-Miara requested Netanyahus response on all related issues, covering events before and during Ben-Gvirs tenure, before she finalizes her stance on the pending petitions.

Ben-Gvir responded forcefully, accusing Baharav-Miara of obstructing investigations, fabricating cases against officials, attempting to overthrow the government, cancel laws, block decisions, and even dismiss elected officials. He declared he would not remain silent until her actions are investigated, asserting that Israel will not become a mafia state.

Author: Sophia Brooks