High Court Orders Attorney General to Oversee New Oversight Deal with Minister Itamar Ben Gvir

High Court rules Attorney General will oversee a new deal to limit Minister Ben Gvir’s influence on the Israel Police. Deadline set for May 3.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel and Haaretz

Judicial Shift in Oversight Authority

The High Court of Justice has shifted the responsibility for mediating the dispute between the National Security Ministry and legal authorities, placing the Attorney General’s Office at the helm of the negotiation process. Previously, there were considerations for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to lead the talks, but the court determined that a representative from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s office is better suited for the task. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will still retain the right to appoint a representative of his choice to the negotiation team, ensuring the premiership has a voice in the final agreement without holding the chair.

The Collapse of the 2025 Framework

The current legal friction stems from the failure of an initial agreement finalized in May 2025. According to Baharav-Miara, that deal has essentially become a "dead letter" due to persistent violations by Minister Ben Gvir. The Attorney General alleges that the minister has continued to publicly comment on sensitive, ongoing police investigations and has sought to influence police promotions based on political alignment rather than professional merit. These actions are viewed by the court and the legal establishment as a direct challenge to the independence of the Israel Police.

Petitions for Dismissal and Alleged Interference

The High Court’s directive comes amidst several petitions calling for the dismissal of Itamar Ben Gvir from his post. These petitions, which the Attorney General has largely supported, argue that the minister's repeated interference in operative police policy constitutes a breach of the law. Specific allegations include Ben Gvir’s attempts to dictate the response to anti-government protests and his interventions in the operational deployment of officers. The court had previously warned both the minister and the Attorney General that they must find a way to curb "undue influence" to avoid more drastic judicial measures.