The Israeli government unanimously declared “no confidence” in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara during its cabinet meeting on Sunday. This step officially initiates the process of Baharav-Miara’s dismissal, marking a first in the country’s history.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin accused the Attorney General of obstructing government policies and argued that cooperation had become impossible due to “long-standing fundamental disagreements” between them.
Baharav-Miara’s response was swift. Stating that the government was trying to place itself above the law, the Attorney General said, “They are seeking unlimited power; an unchecked administration is being targeted.”
The attempt to dismiss Baharav-Miara, along with the dismissal of Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar and discussions on judicial reform, is seen as a new crisis regarding the independence of the judiciary.
The process has been initiated despite many legally required steps. According to the current cabinet decision, the dismissal file must first be sent to a special five-member committee, and then the attorney general must be given the right to defend herself. However, this commission has not yet been formed.
It was leaked to the press that some ministers made sarcastic comments about Baharav-Miara during the cabinet meeting. Economy Minister Nir Barkat said, “She probably attended a meeting of another government,” while Environment Minister Idit Silman said, “She was a secretary in the previous government, now she acts like an opposition leader.”
Baharav-Miara, who did not attend the meeting, accused the government in her letter of trying to evade legal oversight, saying, “This initiative aims to weaken the judiciary and intimidate loyal public servants.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the attempt to dismiss the Attorney General “illegal,” stating, “Netanyahu first wants to dismiss his investigator, and now his prosecutor. Gali Baharav-Miara is an honest and competent attorney general. That’s precisely why she’s a target. This is illegal, this is corruption. They will not succeed.”
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz claimed that the government’s move was motivated by a law that would grant military service exemptions to ultra-Orthodox Jews: “Netanyahu wants an attorney general who will bypass the Supreme Court and disregard the reserve soldiers joining the army. We are all paying the price.”
