Ben-Gvir uses position to politically influence Israel Police, attorney-general warns High Court

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is accused of continuing to disregard the principle of police independence from political influence, according to an update filed by the Attorney-General's Office with the High Court of Justice. The office stated that "significant gaps" remain regarding this core principle.

This update comes in response to petitions seeking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order to dismiss Ben-Gvir. In February, the court had ordered Netanyahu to justify keeping Ben-Gvir in his post. However, in April, the court stopped short of ordering a dismissal, instead imposing a binding, principles-based framework governing Ben-Gvir's involvement in police matters and establishing interim restrictions. The parties were directed to negotiate more detailed procedures.

The Attorney-General's Office's filing indicates that despite the court's previous intervention and the established framework, Ben-Gvir's conduct has not fully aligned with the requirement for police autonomy. The ongoing legal challenge highlights persistent tensions between the minister's authority and the need for an independent law enforcement agency.

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There remain gaps - significant gaps - concerning the core principle of police independence from ministerial influence.