The Israeli government unanimously passed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Sunday. It has initiated a complex process to remove her from office. This move is seen as an attempt to curb the judiciary by the Netanyahu government, according to critics. The government has accused the attorney general, Miara of undermining them. The government cites “inappropriate behaviour” and “substantial differences” with Baharav-Miara, arguing they hinder effective governance. Netanyahu was prohibited from participating in the meeting because of a conflict of interest from his corruption trial. The meeting was chaired by Israel Justice Minister Yariv Levin.
Why Is She Fired?
Baharav-Miara on the other hand boycotted the government meeting and sent a letter. Her letter said, “The move must be understood as it is, the proposal seeks to promote not trust but loyalty to the political echelon. Not governance, but unlimited governmental power, as part of a broader move to weaken the judiciary and deter all professional echelons.” It further read: “The government seeks to be above the law, and to act without checks and balances, even during the most sensitive periods – a time of emergency, protests against the government, and an election period.”
It is important that no Israeli Attorney General has ever been fired. Despite government’s claim that Miara is undermining them, the opposition emphasised that the move to fire Baharav-Miara and Bar are political and anti-democratic. They have further pledged to petition the High Court of Justice to block the Attorney General’s dismissal.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin slammed the Attorney General for not attending the meeting in person. He said, “The advisor almost systematically refuses to appear before the Constitution Committee, ignores the ministers’ requests to her, and does not respond to my own requests. As Minister of Justice, not to mention what is happening with other ministers, I receive a blatant disregard for my letters.”
The dismissal process is expected to take around two months.
Who Is Gali Baharav-Miara?
Baharav-Miara, 65 was appointed Attorney General in 2022. She is the first woman to fill the position. She was appointed during a brief period when Netanyahu did not lead government in Israel. Notably, Miara oversees the justice system, which is currently prosecuting PM Netanyahu on corruption charges in three separate cases. She is known to be one of the critics of PM Netanyahu. They both have engaged in a clash over policies several time.
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