In a historic showdown, the Israeli government votes unanimously to sack Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, igniting a fierce legal and political battle over authority, integrity, and the rule of law.
In a dramatic and unprecedented political upheaval, the Israeli government voted unanimously Monday night to immediately terminate the tenure of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara — a move that has set the stage for a constitutional clash between the government, the judiciary, and the nation’s top legal watchdog.
The decision, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, defies the Supreme Court’s position that a new appointment should not be made until the incumbent’s term expires. Levin wasted no time, vowing to launch the search for her replacement without delay.
Inside the cabinet meeting, Levin launched a blistering attack on Baharav-Miara, accusing her of double-speak and siding with the opposition:
“She claims there’s good cooperation with the government — yet says her legal opinions are systematically dismissed. That’s nonsense. On every major issue, she’s aligned with the opposition, even on marginal matters like Bar Association membership fees.”
Levin dismissed any link between her firing and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing trial:
“Her removal has nothing to do with the PM’s trial. Not one of the reasons for her dismissal relates to it.”
But Baharav-Miara hit back in a strongly worded letter to ministers, warning that her ouster is unlawful — especially as she is the official overseeing the Prime Minister’s legal proceedings. She accused Levin of seeking to install a more politically compliant Attorney General willing to overlook legal breaches, including exempting yeshiva students from conscription and interfering in police investigations.
Despite the cabinet vote, Baharav-Miara will continue reporting for duty for now, though senior ministers have already signaled they will only cooperate with her deputies. Levin reportedly told allies she should be barred from cabinet meetings once the dismissal becomes final.
The move has shaken Israel’s legal establishment, raising fears of an unprecedented power struggle at the heart of government — with implications that could reshape the balance between Israel’s executive and judicial branches.
