Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked a nation-wide protest movement after his cabinet voted no confidence in the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara. The move comes amid widespread demonstrations and concerns over the government’s handling of hostages held in Gaza.
The vote, which was passed despite protests from tens of thousands of Israelis, marks the latest attempt by Netanyahu to target officials deemed hostile to his government. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has called for Baharav-Miara’s resignation, citing “substantial and prolonged differences of opinion” between the government and its chief legal adviser.
The move has drawn accusations from protesters and opposition parties that Netanyahu is undermining key state institutions in an attempt to gain more power. Families and supporters of 59 hostages still held in Gaza have also voiced their anger at what they see as the government’s abandonment of their loved ones.
Protesters, including families of hostages, argue that Netanyahu’s actions are weakening one of the pillars of Israeli democracy. The movement has drawn support from various sectors, including academia, with the Hebrew University in Jerusalem threatening to shut down if the government defies Supreme Court rulings on the dismissals.
Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism for its handling of intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar’s removal, which was approved by cabinet despite objections from the attorney-general. The move has been seen as an attempt to delay a Shin Bet investigation into corruption allegations linking Qatar with Netanyahu’s office.
As tensions continue to rise, protesters are demanding that Netanyahu resign and that hostages be released. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in on their positions.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/defying-protests-israeli-cabinet-reported-be-seeking-attorney-generals-removal-2025-03-23