Ben-Gvir Denounces Ouster Bid as Israel High Court Set to Hear Petitions

Jerusalem — Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Tuesday rejected efforts to remove him from office ahead of a High Court hearing on petitions alleging he interfered improperly in police operations.

The court is due to hear four petitions on Wednesday calling for Ben-Gvir’s dismissal, arguing that he undermined the independence of law enforcement institutions. The case has drawn support from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who previously urged action against the minister.

In a post on social media platform X, Ben-Gvir described the move as “delusional and anti-democratic,” defending his actions as consistent with his electoral mandate. “The truth is — she’s right. That’s why I was elected,” he said, referring to accusations that he influenced policing policy and appointments.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the petitions, submitting a detailed response to the court arguing that the demand to dismiss a sitting minister is unconstitutional and beyond judicial authority. He also said removing a senior official during an ongoing conflict would undermine governance.

In her submission, Baharav-Miara accused Ben-Gvir of abusing his position to influence sensitive areas of policing and investigations, raising concerns about adherence to democratic principles.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between Israel’s judiciary and its current government, widely regarded as one of the most right-leaning in the country’s history.

It also underscores broader institutional disputes over the limits of executive power and judicial oversight.