In what may be one of the most dramatic legal confrontations in Israel’s history, the Supreme Court convened a panel of judges to discuss the removal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The hearing, held under extremely tight restrictions and closed to the public, is based on claims that Ben-Gvir overstepped his authority by interfering in police operations and politicizing law enforcement. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara argues that his conduct undermines the independence of the police and warrants an immediate dismissal.

However, many in the coalition pushed back, calling the entire ordeal “unconstitutional,” arguing that only an elected government and not the courts has the authority to remove a minister.

Ben-Gvir himself, in his usual manner, was defiant ahead of the hearing, effectively embracing the accusations. “They say I changed the police? They’re right,” he said, arguing that voters elected him specifically to implement such policies.

The stakes are enormous. If the Supreme Court orders the dismissal of Ben Gvir, it could trigger another direct clash between the Knesset and the high court, plunging Israel into a constitutional crisis, similar to the one that took place when Bibi was pushing for a judicial reform. The case is unfolding against the backdrop of years of these tensions over judicial power in Israel, including battles over court authority, government control, and the balance between democracy and judicial oversight.

The good news in all of this is that, according to many analysts, an order to dismiss Ben Gvir will cause an uproar on the right, which can give them the momentum they need to secure a win in the looming elections. Either way, it will be interesting to watch.