Israeli government votes to dismiss attorney general, escalating standoff with judiciary
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Israeli Cabinet Fires Attorney General, Court Blocks Move
Above: Attorney General of Israel Gali Baharav-Miara (L) and Israeli Minister of Settlements and National Mission Orit Malka Strook (R) attend a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on Oct. 27, 2024. Image copyright: Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
The government had no choice but to act against an attorney general who repeatedly blocked legitimate government decisions and exceeded her authority. Baharav-Miara obstructed policy decisions and appointments, making effective governance impossible. Her removal was necessary to restore proper democratic function.
Left narrative
This dismissal represents an unprecedented attack on judicial independence and democratic institutions, with Netanyahu seeking to protect himself from prosecution. The government changed the rules mid-process after failing to remove her legally. This threatens the rule of law itself.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though Baharav-Miara's opposition to Netanyahu is notable, she is no defender of democracy. The attorney general, like most Israeli politicians, is not very different from Netanyahu's government when it comes to Israel's treatment of Palestinians. Indeed, anti-Palestinian racism and Jewish supremacy are rife across Israel's political spectrum, and the government's spat with Baharav-Miara is simply an internal dispute that has no relevance to the country's apartheid system or genocidal policies.