Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has formally initiated proceedings to remove Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of obstructing government policies and favoring the opposition.

In an 84-page document sent to government ministers, Levin outlined his case, arguing that Baharav-Miara’s actions have made effective governance impossible.

Levin contends that Baharav-Miara has consistently blocked key government initiatives by deeming them "not legally viable." He also accuses her of selectively enforcing the law, particularly in relation to the 2023 protests against judicial reforms, and of hindering efforts to combat organized crime in Arab communities.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth commented on the debacle, saying the Israeli occupation was "facing one of the roughest governmental and legislative crises in its history," stressing that the nature of the war and resulting casualties were expected to lead to a tense situation. "However, seeking to sack the Attorney General, which is considered the guardian of the rule of law, constitutes a political and historical earthquake."

Another major point of contention is her opposition to the establishment of a State Commission of Inquiry, which Levin argues is necessary to prevent international arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

Baharav-Miara, however, maintained that any such commission should investigate the entirety of the October 7's Operation Al Aqsa Flood and the subsequent war, rather than selectively focusing on certain aspects.

Levin has requested Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs to schedule a meeting to approve a resolution expressing "no confidence" in Baharav-Miara due to the "significant and prolonged disagreements" between her and the government. He has also urged the appointment of representatives to a five-member committee that would advise on her removal.

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Divide along coalition lines

The move has sparked sharp political divisions. Coalition figures, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Culture and Sports Minister Mickey Zohar, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev, have supported Levin’s initiative. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also praised the decision.

Opposition leaders and legal experts alike, however, have condemned the effort as a direct attack on the Israeli legal system. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the move "unconstitutional" and accused Levin of "dismantling Israeli society" during wartime.

MK Benny Gantz vowed to fight the decision through legal means, while the Movement for Quality Government in "Israel" warned of mass protests.

The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the matter, particularly given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conflict-of-interest agreement, which bars him from influencing legal proceedings that could affect his ongoing trial. If the court intervenes, it could set a precedent for the limits of government power over the judiciary.

It is noteworthy that the attorney-general is highly unpopular among the far-right. Back in November, she requested Netanyahu to reconsider Ben-Gvir's position, owing to political intervention in police operations, Israeli media reported.

This, according to Baharav-Miara, "undermines the assurance that the police will act in loyalty to the public rather than the politicians."

"The combination of the alleged improper interventions in police operations and the dependency of police officers on the minister for their promotions undermines the assurance that the police will act in loyalty to the public rather than the politicians."

The legal pressures on Ben-Gvir stem from accusations that he overstepped his authority by intervening in police operations, particularly regarding protests opposing Netanyahu's controversial judicial overhaul.