Levin Vows To Defy High Court If Ben Gvir Is Ordered Fired From Cabinet

Justice Minister Yariv Levin warns the Israeli government will ignore High Court rulings regarding the dismissal of Itamar Ben Gvir amid police interference claims.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 2:43 AM EDT

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

A Government Declaration Of Judicial Non-Compliance

In a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has announced that the government intends to ignore any potential court order demanding the dismissal of Itamar Ben Gvir. Levin, a prominent ally of the Prime Minister, characterized the ongoing legal proceedings as unlawful and argued that any subsequent judicial decision would lack validity. This stance sets the stage for a significant constitutional confrontation, as the executive branch explicitly signals its intent to bypass the rulings of the nation’s highest legal body.

Judicial Review Under The Nine-Judge Panel

The High Court of Justice has convened a specialized nine-judge panel to address the petitions, a move that signals the gravity and potential legal consequences of the case. Under the leadership of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, the court is reviewing claims that Ben Gvir has consistently overstepped his ministerial boundaries. According to court records, the petitioners argue that the minister has engaged in the politicization of police appointments and has overtly interfered in operational matters and active investigations.

Legal Authority And Executive Discretion

Levin has grounded his defense of the National Security Minister in the principle of prime ministerial authority, asserting that the power to appoint or terminate cabinet members belongs solely to the head of government. According to Levin, the court does not possess the legal standing to dictate the composition of the cabinet, which he views as a reflection of the trust granted by the Knesset and the electorate. He emphasized that Ben Gvir, whom he referred to as a friend, maintains his position through democratic mandate rather than judicial approval.