From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Ben Gvir warns of ‘constitutional crisis’ should High Court rule to dismiss him
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issues his first remarks since the High Court of Justice agreed to postpone a hearing on petitions seeking his removal from office until April 15, threatening a potential “constitutional crisis.”
During a visit to communities in northern Israel, Ben Gvir says in a statement that he heard that “the High Court of Justice has decided it will hear petitions seeking my dismissal within a month.”
“I am focused on the war, I’m focused on acting for the people of Israel. If some want to drag Israel into a constitutional crisis, they may get a constitutional crisis,” the far-right minister says, appearing to suggest that he will not comply with the High Court should it rule to fire him.
The High Court earlier today reluctantly acceded to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to delay a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday to hear petitions regarding Ben Gvir’s dismissal.
The petitions call on the court to order Netanyahu to dismiss Ben Gvir, alleging the far-right minister has exercised unlawful influence over police policy, including the policing of protests, senior appointments, and investigations.
Ben Gvir has previously said he would not comply with a potential High Court ruling ordering his dismissal and has urged Netanyahu to defy legal efforts to remove him from office.
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