Justice Minister Yariv Levin has taken the first steps to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of undermining the government’s authority

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has initiated the process to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, marking a seismic shift in Israel’s legal and political landscape. Levin accused Baharav-Miara of obstructing the government’s agenda, acting as a political weapon against elected officials, and fostering a “democracy of extortion.” His move has triggered an immediate backlash, with opposition leaders condemning the decision as a dangerous assault on Israel’s judicial independence.

In a letter to Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, Levin demanded that a meeting be scheduled as soon as possible to secure the necessary votes for Baharav-Miara’s removal. “Given the importance of the issue, I request that you announce the date immediately to allow all ministers to participate,” Levin wrote. He stressed that an absolute majority of cabinet ministers must be present for the decision.

Levin has long expressed dissatisfaction with Baharav-Miara, claiming that her actions have paralysed the government’s ability to function effectively. He accused her of wielding unbridled power under the guise of democracy, arguing that she selectively applies legal standards to favour the government’s opponents. “She presents herself as the guardian of justice, yet she has shredded the very fabric of democracy she claims to protect,” Levin stated.

The push to oust Baharav-Miara follows months of tensions between the government and the judiciary. Levin and other coalition leaders have accused her of blocking key reforms, refusing to prosecute anti-government protesters, and failing to take action against those calling for military service refusals. He also claimed she has leaked confidential information from high-level security meetings, further undermining the government’s authority.

Baharav-Miara has so far remained defiant, refusing to bow to political pressure. She has consistently defended her role as an independent legal advisor, arguing that her duty is to uphold the rule of law, not serve the interests of any government. However, Levin’s latest move signals that the battle over Israel’s legal system is far from over.

The opposition has swiftly condemned Levin’s actions. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, called the move “a criminal and unconstitutional attack on the rule of law.” He accused Levin of using the nation’s ongoing conflict as a distraction while dismantling Israel’s judicial system. “Yariv Levin is tearing Israeli society apart in the middle of a war,” Lapid warned. “This is nothing more than a desperate power grab.”

As tensions escalate, the fate of Israel’s top legal official remains uncertain. The cabinet must now decide whether to back Levin’s unprecedented push for removal or risk deepening an already volatile political crisis. With accusations flying and battle lines drawn, the coming weeks could redefine the balance of power between Israel’s government and judiciary.