Netanyahu’s Coalition Decries High Court Hearing as “Deep State” Assault on Democratic Mandate

Israeli coalition leaders slam the High Court for hearing petitions against Ben Gvir, calling it a "deep state" threat. Read the latest on the political clash.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 5:06 AM EDT

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

A Rhetorical Escalation Against Judicial Oversight

The political atmosphere in Jerusalem has reached a boiling point as senior members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition characterize the High Court’s latest hearing as a frontal assault on the state’s democratic foundations. Coalition whip Ofir Katz described the proceedings as a dark milestone for the country, asserting that the judiciary is venturing into territory that should be entirely beyond its jurisdiction. This rhetoric signals a deepening schism between the executive branch and the high court, with lawmakers now openly framing judicial review as a partisan tool used to subvert elected officials.

Invoking the Specter of the Deep State

In a notable shift toward more aggressive populism, Ofir Katz utilized the "deep state" narrative to explain the current judicial pressure on the National Security Minister. Writing on social media, the Likud lawmaker echoed the Prime Minister’s long standing claims that an unelected cabal of legal and security officials is working clandestinely to thwart the government's agenda. Katz suggested that the hearing serves as evidence of this hidden power structure, alleging that the attorney general and the head of the Shin Bet have effectively joined forces to manufacture a case against a legally elected minister.

Total Rejection of Judicial Authority Over Cabinet Seats

The coalition's stance has moved beyond mere criticism into a declaration of administrative defiance. Lawmakers from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party joined their Likud colleagues in branding the deliberations as "absurd," maintaining that the authority to appoint or dismiss cabinet members rests solely with the Prime Minister. Shas officials argued that by even entertaining the petitions, the court has signaled a total loss of restraint. This position is supported by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who has suggested that the government may simply ignore any judicial order that mandates Ben Gvir’s removal from office.