Israeli government unanimously approves dismissal of attorney-general
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The Israeli attorney-general condemned the dismissal, accusing the Israeli government of departing from the Rule of Law and prioritizing subservience over legality.
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Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara listens on as she attends a cabinet meeting at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (AP)
Israeli ministers unanimously agreed to dismiss the government's legal advisor and attorney-general Gali Baharav-Miara, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
Israeli media outlets stated that "the no-confidence vote was unanimously approved," adding that several ministers left the cabinet session before it ended, leaving a note that said they approved the decision to sack Miara, who was appointed by former Shin Bet Chief Ronin Bar.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Minister Yariv Levin instead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was absent due to a "scheduling conflict," according to Israeli media.
The sacked attorney-general rebuked the Israeli government, saying the proposal "is not aimed at strengthening confidence but at loyalty to the political leadership, as part of a broader move to weaken the judiciary and deter all professional levels."
She added that the Israeli government was trying to position itself above the law and operate unchecked, "even in critical times like emergencies, government protests, and elections," while emphasizing that "according to the proposal, an attorney-general who abides the law will be considered someone who does not cooperate with the government."
The dismissal of the attorney-general closely follows the dismissal of Ronin Bar, Chief of the Shin Bet and the official who appointed Gali Baharav-Miara.
Ronin Bar dismissal sparks dissent
The decision has sparked a public backlash, with mass protests erupting across "Israel". Thousands demonstrated outside Netanyahu’s office, chanting, “We will never give up.” Clashes with police escalated, with authorities using water cannons and forcibly removing protesters blocking roads.
A Channel 12 poll found that 51% of Israeli settlers oppose Bar’s dismissal, while 46% trust him more than Netanyahu. Opposition figures condemned the move, with Benny Gantz calling it a “mark of Cain” on ministers who supported it, and Yair Lapid alleging it was designed "to obstruct the Qatar investigation."
Meanwhile, the government is also advancing efforts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who opposed Bar’s dismissal and had warned Netanyahu he lacked the legal authority to fire him without proper justification. Reports suggest a vote on her removal could take place as early as Sunday.
Entity teeters on the edge of conflict
As "Israel" resumes its brutal aggression on Gaza—widely condemned as genocide—and persists in breaching Lebanon’s ceasefire, internal fractures within the entity are deepening. Netanyahu’s decision to fire Ronen Bar has intensified political and security tensions, raising fears of internal collapse.
The move, seen by critics as an attempt to consolidate power and obstruct investigations into his administration’s dealings, has sparked mass protests, exposing a volatile divide between the government and its security establishment.
Amid ongoing wars on multiple fronts, the entity faces mounting instability, with the prospect of Internal armed conflict becoming increasingly likely.
