Ben-Gvir accuses Israel’s legal adviser of fabricating case against him

Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, accused the government’s legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, of “fabricating a criminal case” against him, citing a “lack of trust between her and government ministers,” Ma’an news agency reported.

During a press conference held yesterday, Ben-Gvir announced that he had called for a government meeting next Sunday to discuss the formation of a public committee to investigate the possibility of dismissing Baharav-Miara.

The press conference followed the arrest of senior officials close to Ben-Gvir in the police and prison services who are suspected of involvement in corruption-related offences. Ben-Gvir claimed these developments were part of an effort by the legal adviser to target him.

The secret investigation, led by the Police Internal Investigations Unit (Machash), resulted in the arrest of two police officers. One officer, a captain, is suspected of bribery, breach of trust and abuse of authority, while a senior sergeant is accused of corruption. Additionally, a senior prison service officer was questioned on suspicion of obstructing investigations and breach of trust.

Reports from Israeli media indicated that Machash investigators detained a high ranking prison officer after blocking his vehicle. The officer’s security guards, believing their charge was under threat, reportedly drew their weapons and aimed them at the investigators.

A publication ban remains in effect on the suspects’ identities and details of the investigation.

Ben-Gvir described the investigation as a “coup against the government,” alleging that the legal adviser and the attorney general are using Machash to “intimidate senior officials in the prison service and police” from implementing his and the right-wing government’s policies. He labelled this as a “crossing of a clear red line.”

READ: Israel Attorney-General urges Netanyahu to fire Ben-Gvir for violating court orders