Israeli Cabinet Endorses No-Confidence Motion Against Attorney General Amid Rising Protests
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Synopsis
On March 24, 2023, Israel's Cabinet unanimously approved a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, moving towards her dismissal amid ongoing protests against the government. The situation escalated following clashes between Baharav-Miara and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the removal of the Shin Bet chief.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli Cabinet votes for no-confidence motion against Attorney General.
- Protests erupt in Jerusalem against government actions.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu faces backlash over conflict of interest.
- Opponents claim political retribution behind the motion.
- High Court expected to challenge the dismissal process.
Jerusalem, March 24 (NationPress) Israel's Cabinet has officially endorsed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, marking an initial step toward her potential dismissal, as confirmed by a government representative.
The representative stated on Sunday that the Ministers unanimously supported the motion, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This action is the latest in a series of government measures, which critics characterize as political retribution against officials viewed as adversaries of the administration.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Baharav-Miara had a confrontation on Friday over the government's plan to replace Shin Bet security chief Ronen Bar.
Baharav-Miara had issued a directive preventing Netanyahu from taking any steps to remove Bar after the High Court temporarily halted the government's dismissal initiative.
During the vote, thousands of protesters gathered in Jerusalem to voice their opposition against the government's efforts to oust Baharav-Miara and Bar.
Bar's dismissal was previously sanctioned by the Cabinet last week.
Protesters marched through Jerusalem towards the government compound, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign.
This marked the sixth consecutive day of protests against Netanyahu, which commenced after Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza last Tuesday.
Demonstrators are calling for an end to the war, the return of remaining hostages held in Gaza, and the cancellation of the government's judicial overhaul.
Baharav-Miara, as Israel's chief legal adviser, has the power to decide whether to initiate charges against senior officials and to assess whether Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial will continue.
She did not participate in Sunday’s Cabinet session but sent a letter to the Ministers.
The government “aims to position itself above the law,” she stated in her letter, emphasizing that the Attorney General's Office will persist in its duties “without fear.”
Netanyahu was also absent from the meeting, as he is restricted from engaging in judicial matters according to a conflict-of-interest agreement he signed in 2020 linked to his trial.
Similar to the decision regarding Bar's termination, the attempt to remove Baharav-Miara is expected to face challenges in the High Court. The duration of the entire dismissal process remains uncertain, as this situation is unprecedented, but it is anticipated to take several weeks at minimum.
