Justice Minister Yariv Levin Pledges Defiance Against High Court Ruling Over Minister Ben Gvir Ouster

Justice Minister Yariv Levin claims any High Court ruling to fire Minister Ben Gvir would be invalid, as a key hearing on police interference begins in Israel.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 2:55 AM EDT

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

Levin Denounces Judicial Overreach in Executive Appointment Authority

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has issued a stark warning that the government will disregard any judicial mandate requiring the termination of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Describing Ben Gvir as a friend, Levin asserted that the legal proceedings currently underway are entirely without merit and lack the authority to override government decisions. According to Levin, the power to appoint or dismiss members of the cabinet rests solely with the prime minister, as dictated by law, rather than with the judiciary.

A High-Stakes Legal Challenge to Ben Gvir’s Ministerial Tenure

The political tension surrounds a critical hearing before a nine-judge panel of the High Court of Justice, which is significantly larger than the standard three-member panel. Petitioners are seeking a court order to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire Ben Gvir, citing a pattern of systemic misconduct. The legal challenge centers on allegations that Ben Gvir has repeatedly and unlawfully interfered in operational police matters, influenced police appointments for political gain, and exerted overt pressure on active investigations.

Judicial Leadership Signals Significant Consequences for the Case

The inclusion of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg in the nine-judge panel underscores the gravity of the legal questions being weighed. Legal experts view the expanded panel as a clear signal of the potentially massive constitutional implications this case holds for the separation of powers in Israel. While Levin maintains that Ben Gvir serves by virtue of the trust of the Knesset and the will of the people, the court must determine if the minister's actions have breached the legal boundaries of his office.