Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the High Court of Justice that he will not dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, arguing that there are no legal or administrative grounds for ending his tenure.

In his response to petitions seeking Ben Gvir’s removal, Netanyahu said the minister was appointed in accordance with the law and that his position has not changed since the appointment.

Netanyahu argued that even though procedures governing Ben Gvir’s working relationship with the police have not yet been fully finalized, that does not justify removing him from office. He also said Ben Gvir does not reject the principle of police independence and that disputes over how he has carried out his duties do not provide legal grounds to disqualify him.

The prime minister further argued that the issue is not one for the court to decide and criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s position. Netanyahu said her legal opinion relies on an “inflation of the events” and cites various incidents without showing how they establish a legal basis for dismissing Ben Gvir.

Ben Gvir responded, “I welcome the prime minister’s clear response to the criminal attorney general. Deep state bureaucrats have absolutely no authority to remove ministers from office. After the elections, we will remove the deep state bureaucrats ourselves.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)