Yariv Levin
The Justice Ministry’s legal adviser concluded that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara faces a potential conflict of interest in the affair.
The government had vowed to boycott the hearing and did not file a response to the court.
The incident at Yariv Levin’s home came after the minister changed the locks on an office shared with outgoing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
“The office is the office of the minister, not of the attorney Baharav-Miara,” stated Levin. Israel Bar Association head Amit Becher urged Levin’s arrest over the move, calling him an “existential threat” to the state.
“This issue must be at the top of the national agenda,” Yariv Levin said.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will now be summoned for a dismissal hearing in front of five ministers, instead of an independent committee.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israelis to show up en masse at the protest to show support for “true democracy.”
The investigation is the latest scandal in a deepening conflict between Israel’s security agency and the Netanyahu government.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin calls to boycott agency head Ronen Bar.
Leftwing critics of the legislation said it compromises judges’ independence, whereas a prominent rightwing activist said it was too mild.
The law replaces two spots on the committee with attorneys appointed by coalition and opposition, respectively, instead of members of the Israel Bar Association.
The vote is the first move in what could be a long procedure before a final dismissal can take place.
