Judge says Ben Gvir violated agreement not to interfere with police ‘dozens’ of times; 4 lawmakers ejected from hearing

Justice Khaled Kabub, during a hearing on the potential dismissal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, says that the far-right politician has violated an agreement he signed that was meant to curb his interference in police decisions “dozens” of times.

Kabub is part of a nine-judge panel hearing petitions demanding the court order the prime minister to dismiss Ben Gvir from his position, claiming he has exercised unlawful influence over police decision making and undermined the force’s independence.

The agreement, which he signed last year as a compromise with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, was meant to prevent him from interfering in police’s handling of protests and investigations, as well as bar him from getting involved in the promotions of low and mid-level officers.

“When the minister makes statements against the police itself… that statement by the minister damages the police’s professional ability to fulfill its role,” Kabub says, noting that Ben Gvir has several times spoken publicly against police investigations and indictments filed by its prosecution unit. “It is a blow to the police, which he is responsible for, and this is the big paradox.”

The attorney representing the government objects to Kabub’s assessment and argues that one must see “what is actually happening” within the police itself.

Meanwhile, Justice Isaac Amit, the High Court’s president, removes four coalition lawmakers from the courtroom — MKs Tally Gotliv, May Golan, Limor Son Har Melech and Idit Silman — after they repeatedly interrupt the judicial proceedings.