PM insists he’s adhering to conflict of interest deal after urging ‘solution’ for ‘combative’ AG

After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s conduct as “combative” in a cabinet meeting earlier today and directed Justice Minister Yariv Levin to come up with a “solution,” the premier’s office appears to somewhat walk back his comments.

A senior legal source had told Haaretz that Netanyahu’s decision to weigh in so directly on the conduct of the attorney general is an apparent violation of the conflict of interest agreement he signed, which allows him to continue serving as prime minister while on criminal trial for fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

“Following harsh criticism from government ministers regarding [the attorney general’s conduct], the prime minister clarifies that [Baharav-Miara’s office] is expected to assist the government in implementing the government’s decisions and promoting bills on its behalf, and not the other way around,” says the Prime Minister’s Office in a new statement.

“The prime minister is careful to follow the conflict of interest arrangement that applies to him.”

According to Kan news, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi suggested during the cabinet meeting that Baharav-Miara be replaced by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, an attorney and Netanyahu loyalist.