Attorney-General tells High Court Itamar Ben-Gvir threatens Israel Police independece

Israel's Attorney-General's Office informed the High Court on Monday that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir continues to threaten the independence of the Israel Police, despite a binding framework established by the court to prevent such interference. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara argued that Ben-Gvir's ongoing actions, including interference in operational matters, comments on investigations, and influence over appointments, undermine the police's professional and apolitical nature. The filing stated, "The rules and principles are one thing, and reality is another," asserting that previous measures have been insufficient to curb his conduct. Ben-Gvir responded, "Gali, I couldn't care less about you. You will continue trying to bring down the right-wing government, and we will continue working - and with God's help, we will win." The Attorney-General's Office detailed several alleged violations since the court's April ruling, including public defense of an officer under investigation, selective responses to police use of force, direct intervention in operational assistance for a businessman, and delays in senior police appointments. These actions, it argued, demonstrate that Ben-Gvir does not consider himself bound by the framework, necessitating his dismissal to protect police independence.